Trial is the monthly law journal of the American Association for Justice (“AAJ”), formerly the American Trial Lawyers Association (“ATLA”). The October 2018 issue of Trial is dedicated to “Cutting Through SECRECY”.
October 2018 Trial features 3 articles against secrecy in litigation: “BREAK THROUGH PROTECTIVE ORDERS,” id. at 20-28; “Speaking UP, Speaking OUT,” id. at 30-38; and “REIN IN SECRET SETTLEMENTS”. Id. at 40-42. Mr. Waterman notes that medical malpractice litigation in Virginia is shrouded in secrecy: because of defense counsel seeking discovery protective orders, settlement confidentiality clauses, and the like, little or no healthcare provider wrongdoing actually is seen by the public, regardless how frequent, egregious, or injurious.
Also, this Trial’s “Verdicts & SETTLEMENTS” reports 3 vehicle accident cases. “Failure to call of police chase” marquees a $47,500,000.00 2018 California settlement. Id. at 12. “Distracted driving” highlights a $13,600,000.00 2018 Connecticut settlement. Id. “Failure to test conductor for sleep apnea” chronicles a $450,000.00 2018 New York settlement. Id. at 14.
Mr. Waterman has been a member of AAJ/ATLA since 1987. His law practice focuses on vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and other cases of wrongful death and serious personal injury.
