Was Veterans Affairs doctor a federal employee?

Trial Notebook

By Steven P. Garmisa

Hoey & Farina

Posted March 18, 2022 10:43 AM

A Department of Veterans Affairs doctor referred David Talignani to Saint Louis University Hospital — a non-VA provider — for neck surgery. He died shortly after being discharged, allegedly because he was “prescribed excessive pain medication.” Blaming Dr. Philippe Mercier and alleging he was a federal employee — based on two definitions of “employee of the government” in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 2671 — Anne Talignani sued the United States for wrongful death under the Federal Tort Claims Act.Section 2671 includes five categories …

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