"1st Look" at the New "But For" Standard in Massachusetts Torts
Doull v. Foster: simplifying an unnecessarily confusing rule
- Product Number: 2210359WBC
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CLE Credits, earn up to:
2 substantive credits, 0 ethics credits CLE Credit Note -
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Product Description
Product Description
This program is a must for all attorneys litigating medical malpractice, personal injury, toxic tort, and other similar cases in Massachusetts. The Supreme Judicial Court in Doull v. Foster recently abandoned the substantial factor test for the "but-for" causation standard in most cases. Judges, juries, and attorneys in Massachusetts have been trying to understand and apply the confounding substantial factor test in personal injury cases and other torts for decades. In an effort to bring clarity to the causation standard, the SJC affirmed that juries should be instructed on "but-for" causation in most cases, even those where multiple acts of negligence have been alleged. The only exception exists in asbestos and other toxic tort matters. For those cases, substantial factor causation was retained, but its survival could be short lived. The Doull decision presents both pitfalls and opportunities for attorneys handling these cases.Every attorney involved in tort litigation should attend this presentation to learn how this important decision will impact their pending and future cases.
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Agenda
Agenda & Materials
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10:00 am – 10:05 am
Welcome and Introduction
on demand video Add to CartVincent N. DePalo, Esq., Smith Duggan Buell & Rufo LLP , Boston
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10:05 am – 10:30 am
New But for Standard in Massachusetts Torts: Causation Background and What Led to Doull
on demand video Add to Cart -
10:30 am – 10:51 am
New But for Standard in Massachusetts Torts: Substantial Contributing Factor vs. But For: A Shift in the Plaintiff’s Burden
on demand video Add to CartBarrie S. Duchesneau, Esq., Trial Lawyers for Justice , Decorah
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10:51 am – 11:24 am
New But for Standard in Massachusetts Torts: Doull v. Foster & Medical Malpractice: A Defense Perspective
on demand video Add to CartRobert L. Boston, Esq., Smith Duggan Buell & Rufo, LLP , Boston
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11:24 am – 11:55 am
New But for Standard in Massachusetts Torts: Doull & Toxic Tort Cases
on demand video Add to CartVincent N. DePalo, Esq., Smith Duggan Buell & Rufo LLP , Boston
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11:55 am – 12:10 pm
New But for Standard in Massachusetts Torts: "Ask the Experts" Q&A with the Panel
on demand video Add to CartPanel
Please Note
MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.
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