Robert P. Christensen, P.A. - Advocates for Justice

ATCLM: Franken vs. Coleman

NC — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:48:20 +0000

From L to R: ATCLM Secretary Bob Christensen, ACTLM Dean Charles Bird, MN Supreme Court Justice Helen Meyer, and ATCLM Dean-Elect Tom Jensen

I had the pleasure of attending The Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota’s spring meeting where we heard an informative talk on the contested Senate election we had in Minnesota between Norm Coleman and Al Franken. The Minnesota Supreme Court had the final say and we heard from Justice Helen Meyer about the judicial process involved in the case.

While I was there I had a chance to chat and get a picture with a couple of the ACTLM officers and Justice Meyer. I’m proud to be an ACTLM member and I always enjoy the engaging talks that we get a chance to hear.

New ABOTA Member Jim VanderLinden

Bob Christensen — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:01:00 +0000

Today I had the privilege of introducing Jim VanderLinden as the newest member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Jim and I have worked together for many years and his insight and passion have made me proud to call him both my associate and friend. Way to go Jimmy.

Primerus Law Firm Network Now Exceeds 2,000 Lawyers

Bob Christensen — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:11:48 +0000

The International Society of Primerus Law Firms now count over 2,000 attorneys world-wide in a professional association of AV rated law firms. Our firm, Robert P. Christensen, P.A. is the sole Plaintiff/Consumer firm designated in the State of Minnesota. We were invited because our firm is AV rated (the highest ranking for ability and ethics) and because we ascribe to the Six Pillars of Primerus Law Firms: Integrity, Excellent Work Product, Continuing Legal Education, Civility and Community Service.

I attended the Annual Conference last fall at the Greenbriar in West Virginia, the Plaintiff/Consumer conference in Key West this winter and will be attending the 2010 Annual Meeting in Yountville, CA. These meetings are opportunities to meet and share idea with other dedicated lawyers from all over the United States and indeed some from other countries as well. The attorneys that we share with are all experts in their respective fields as personal injury, product liability, brain injury, truck accidents, drug injuries, medical malpractice and fraud attorneys.

I continue with my career of 36 years pursing my true passion for advocating for the causes of people seeking a better life, a voice, insight or solutions to give them hope, solutions and greater opportunities they might not otherwise have.

New drug false claims

Bob Christensen — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:20:32 +0000

We continue to get people contacting us about governement fraud where drug companies are violating the law just to sell drugs. We are signing up cases where drug companies violated FDA regulations by promoting illegal drug sales. Does that surprise you?

Burn injuries from drugs

Bob Christensen — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:11:59 +0000

Stevens JohnsonSydrome is a sever reaction to drugs such as Advil. We are now handling two such cases where the person’s skin is sloughed off causing near death and permanent skin and visual injuries.

Toyota Has Been Hiding the Ball on Public Safety

Bob Christensen — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:05:22 +0000

Recent disclosures by a former in-house attorney for Toyota has brought to light that for some time the automaker has been secreting information from its customers and those that have been injured by its products.

The Gift of Giving

Bob Christensen — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:35:12 +0000

We all go through transitional periods of our individual lives. In the early years, it is fast and hard in my generation. Sixty to Seventy hour work weeks were common. My children’s generation is different. They are a generation that has received more but more than likely will be able to give less to their children. Maybe.

Each generation will place its mark on the world and each will be different. There is one constant however and that is that the greatest gift is that which is given. Wake up, give thanks and give to those who will gain from your gifts every moment of every day. You will get the gift.

Congressional Budget Office Finds No Basis Malpractice Claims Are Driving High Health Care Costs

Bob Christensen — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:36:45 +0000

The recent findings by the CBO that medical malpractice claims have little effect on overall health care spending did not surprise me. The CBO’s numbers are consistent with the findings of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Malpractice claims account for a miniscule 0.3% of total health care costs. In its report, the CBO also notes that recent research has found that tort reform may adversely affect patient care.

As recently stated by U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, the best way to reduce medical malpractice claims is to reduce medical errors.

HMO Fraud Held Accountable

Bob Christensen — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:18:26 +0000

In 1995, Mark and Barbara Chipps received an unsigned letter from their insurance company, Humana Health Insurance Co. of Florida, informing them that their four-year-old daughter, Caitlyn, who was born with cerebral palsy, would be terminated from a special program for terribly and chronically ill patients called medical case management.

There was no medical diagnosis supporting Humana’s decision, and it clearly violated the terms of the family’s insurance agreement. When the Chipps’ appealed to the company, they were told that Caitlyn’s speech, occupational and physical therapies would be terminated as well.

The Chipps’ exhausted their resources in an attempt to continue Caitlyn’s care. Caitlyn regressed and began walking into walls. Finally the Chipps’ turned to the civil justice system for help.

The ensuing litigation uncovered widespread fraud at Humana. The insurance company had unlawfully denied coverage to more than 100 catastrophically ill and injured children in Florida in an effort to boost its bottom line. In one instance, Humana had even sent a letter to a child – not the parent – who had been in a coma for 14 years advising him that he had improved to such an extent that he no longer needed the medical case management. The insurance company was also paying bonuses to physicians and nurses based on the number of medical claims denied each month. The jury found that Humana intentionally disregarded its insureds’ health and safety, and awarded Caitlyn and her family restitution equal to the $78.5 million Humana thought it could save by cutting children’s coverage. The insurance company fought the award, and the Chipps’ later settled for $2.2 million. More importantly, Caitlyn was put back on the medical case management, and Humana’s behavior was exposed for all the world to see.

As reported by AAJ

sources: Stephen Van Drake, “Attorney Battles Humana, Again,” South Florida Business Journal, June 28, 2002; “5-Year Old Cerebral Palsy Victim Wins Landmark Trial Against Humana,” Ricci- Leopold Law Firm, http://www.riccilaw.com/CM/Articles/Articles69.asp; Chipps v. Humana Health Insurance Co. of Florida, Inc., No. CL 96-00423 AE (Fla., Palm Beach County Cir. Ct. Jan. 4, 2000.

Trial Lawyers Holding Wrongdoers Accountable

Bob Christensen — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:10:29 +0000

The civil justice system has been the cornerstone in keeping Americans safe by allowing them a fair chance to receive justice when they are injured by the negligence of others – even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations.

The civil justice system is the last chance for individuals wronged by corporations and their CEOs act irresponsibly by cutting corners on safety, producing unsafe products, polluting our environment, taking advantage of their employees and shareholders and cheating taxpayers through government fraud.

The trial lawyer stands in your shoes, fighting the odds to bring justice to right a wrong, even when faced with the most powerful and wealthy opposition.