Everyone knows that evidence is an essential part of winning any lawsuit. However, how do you go about finding relevant evidence? If you are involved in a lawsuit, you are entitled to discovery to obtain information pertinent to your claims and help defend yourself. However, discovery is not limitless. Instead, numerous restrictions are imposed to ensure that parties cannot go on fishing expeditions. It is essential to understand these restrictions, especially when seeking information involving personal data such as medical records.
The family of Kenneth Scully sued Dr. Derrick Dean for medical malpractice after Scully died after he was admitted to the emergency room where Dean had been working. Scully’s family and Dean settled for $450,000 before a medical review panel was convened. After the settlement, Dean sued the law firm he had retained to represent him, Gachassin Law Firm.
Gachassin tried to compel the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy (the “Board”) to disclose information regarding Dean’s access to an online database concerning Scully, including Dean’s login and search history. The database contained information about dispensing controlled substances. Gachassin argued this information could help show inconsistencies with the times Dean claimed to have accessed the database. The trial court ruled in favor of Gachassin on its motion to compel. The Board appealed.