Court: Woman can seek damages for stress of unplanned pregnancy
PONTIAC (AP) — The Michigan Court of Appeals says an Oakland County woman can seek financial damages for the emotional distress of knowing she would deliver a child with Down syndrome.
Lori Cichewicz says she was assured by her doctor that her fallopian tubes were blocked and she didn’t need to use birth control. But she became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter in 2011.
It’s a case of so-called wrongful conception.
In a recent 3-0 decision, the court said Cichewicz can’t seek a financial award for the costs of raising a child with Down syndrome. But the court said she can seek compensation for the stress associated with the unplanned pregnancy, like any medical malpractice claim.
The lawsuit now returns to Oakland County Circuit Court.
Governor signs bill increasing oversight at veterans facilities
Complaints filed by resident veterans, their family members or legal guardians or a legislator will be reviewed and investigated by an appointed ombudsman under legislation signed recently by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder.
“Ensuring that our veterans have their voices heard and receive the quality care they deserve is critical,” Snyder said.
The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Peter MacGregor, creates the Office of the Michigan Veterans Facility Ombudsman within the Legislative Council.
It requires that the council appoint an ombudsman to investigate complaints filed by resident veterans, their family members or legal guardians or a legislator and report findings to the Legislative Council.
Apartheid victims’ appeal rejected
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from victims of apartheid in South Africa who wanted to sue IBM Corp. and Ford Motor Co. in American courts.
The justices did not comment on their order that left in place lower court rulings dismissing lawsuits filed 14 years ago against IBM and Ford.
The high court had earlier limited circumstances in which foreigners could seek to hold companies accountable in U.S. courts for their participation in or complicity with human rights abuses abroad.
The federal appeals court in New York said IBM and Ford could not be held liable for the actions of their South African subsidiaries during the apartheid regime.
Court bites back, exonerates TV vet who saved dog
DETROIT (AP) — A Michigan veterinarian who saved a dog’s life on a reality TV show has been cleared of misconduct.
Jan Pol has a show on Nat Geo Wild called “The Incredible Dr. Pol.”
Pol, 73, was fined $500 and placed on probation after a Kentucky viewer complained to state regulators that he wasn’t wearing a mask, didn’t provide IV therapy to Mr. Pigglesworth nor other comforts.
The Michigan appeals court bit back recently, wondering how Pol could be accused of negligence when the Boston terrier “came through with flying colors” after being hit by a car.
The court says Mr. Pigglesworth probably continues to “bring great joy to his owners and terror to the local squirrels.”
Pol’s clinic is near Mount Pleasant, about 150 miles northwest of Detroit.
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