Counsel Won't Be Sanctioned for Challenging Disclosure of Client's HIV Status

OAKLAND, Calif. - A California judge has refused to sanction a silica plaintiff who accused defendants of violating privacy laws by disclosing sensitive health information about the plaintiff in court filings. Salazar v. Lone Star Industries Inc., et al., No. RG05-210452 (Calif. Super. Ct., Alameda Cty.).

Alameda County Superior Court Judge Robert B. Freedman ruled Aug. 10 that although the plaintiff was unsuccessful in persuading the court to sanction defendants for releasing the information in a case management statement, there was no evidence that the attempt to do so was pursued in bad faith.

Plaintiffs urged the court earlier this …