The case involves a medical liability claim against Ridgeview Health Care Centre, Inc, a health care provider to Lima Hayes, an Alzheimer's patient. Lima Hayes's son, Billy Hayes, sued Ridgeview alleging neglect and breach of care leading to her injuries and later death. The plaintiff also alleged negligence in hiring, training, supervision, and retention of the staff.
In the midst of the lawsuit, Ridgeview attempted to limit the scope of discovery, arguing certain discovery information was protected under an earlier ruling and Alabama Medical Liability Act. However, the trial court compelled Ridgeview to respond to several requests for production and interrogatory queries.
Ridgeview petitioned for a Writ of Mandamus to compel the court to vacate its order allowing the requests. The Supreme Court of Alabama granted Ridgeview's petition, and directed the trial court to narrow the scope of discovery as per the Alabama Medical Liability Act.
Writ of Mandamus is not Proper Relief for Discovery Issue
Discovery Requests Regarding Remedial Measures From Prior Incidents Denied as Outside the Scope of the Alabama Medical Liability Act
Plaintiff was Permitted Discovery Regarding "Other Incidents" Involving Plaintiff and Investigation of Claims
Ex Parte Interviews with Plaintiff's Treating Physicians are not Prohibited by Alabama Law
Medical Chart Was Not Required to Be Attached to Affidavit