From The Legal Intelligencer: Lawyers Making First Moves in Litigation Over Planned Hahnemann Hospital Closure

Obermayer partner Gary Samms, who represents American Academic Health System in its  defense against Drexel was recently interviewed by The Legal Intelligencer after Hahnemann University Hospital (owned by American Academic Health System) scored an early victory in court when a Philadelphia judge hit the medical center with a preliminary injunction barring the hospital from “closing, ceasing operations, or in any way further reducing or disrupting services at the emergency department.” Although a portion of that case was stayed pending the outcome of the bankruptcy proceedings, Judge Nina Wright Padilla, who entered the order on the docket July 8, said that given the “connection with the city’s exercise of its police and regulatory powers” the court had the power to enter the preliminary injunction.

Samms, who is well-known for defending health care institutions in high-profile medical malpractice actions, said some of the firm’s prior work led them to represent American Academic Health System in the state action.

“We’ve had some prior dealings handling litigation for Hahnemann,” Samms said. “They were confident we could defend this and assist them with all the issues.”

Reporter Max Mitchell reminds the readers that officials from American Academic Health System, have announced plans to close Hahnemann Hospital in early September. As a major employer and a health center in the region, the news sparked protests from patients and staff, and even presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, has weighed in on the dispute.

The full article can be found here: https://www.law.com/thelegalintelligencer/2019/07/11/lawyers-making-first-moves-in-litigation-over-planned-hahnemann-hospital-closure/