American law long has recognized the authority of government officials to address public health emergencies. See, e.g., Gibbons v. Ogden, 22 U.S. 1, 205 (1824) (recognizing the “power of a State, to provide for the health of its citizens”). More than a century ago, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the seminal case on the power of the […]

American law long has recognized the authority of government officials to address public health emergencies. Almost 200 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that, under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the power to address public health emergencies generally is held by the states rather than the federal government. See Gibbons v. Ogden, 22 U.S. […]

As the development of a potential COVID-19 vaccine continues, so too do questions about the types of vaccines being developed and how they will be administered. Vaccines offer overwhelming public health benefits, but a small number of individuals who receive vaccines are harmed by them. Most claims alleging health problems caused by vaccines must be […]

Welcome to the first edition of the O’Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong and Laing Health Care Law Advisor. We have created this blog as an informational and educational resource for our clients and contacts. The health care industry changes often and quickly, and we seek to help keep you apprised of important legal developments in the […]

Arbitration is a common form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) used frequently and effectively in business settings. In arbitration, the parties have flexibility to choose decision-makers, jurisdiction, and many procedural rules, but they limit themselves in terms of discovery and some courtroom protections. While most courts will enforce arbitration clauses in contracts, such clauses should […]

Arbitration clauses in commercial and employment contracts are increasingly popular as a means to try to settle business disputes without going through a court trial. Arbitration clauses should be clear regarding how the arbitration is to be carried out. In addition to detailing who will hear the dispute (the arbitrator), an arbitration clause should designate […]

An increasing number of contracts contain arbitration clauses. But not all arbitration clauses are equally clear, precise, and specific–or equally enforceable. Like other contract clauses, an arbitration clause may be invalidated under general principles of contract law. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that an arbitration clause may be invalid if it is indefinite, fraudulent […]

Businesses in the United States have used arbitration clauses in contracts for many years. The purpose of these clauses is to encourage (or require) that contract disputes be settled in arbitration rather than by litigation and trial. Consumer and employment contracts frequently include arbitration clauses. As Internet-based businesses have exploded over the past fifteen years, […]

During arbitration, evidence and testimony are presented at a formal arbitration hearing. Discovery may occur before then, but its scope usually is limited by the parties’ agreement or the arbitrator rules. After the arbitration hearing, the arbitrator issues a decision, known as an “award.” Arbitration may be binding or non-binding. Most arbitrations held in the […]

Arbitration is a common form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in which parties agree to resolve a dispute by submitting it to one or more neutral decision-makers, or arbitrators, for decision.  Arbitration consists of a formal hearing, similar to a trial, where the parties are represented by legal counsel and present evidence and testimony. The […]

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