Instead of hiring an interpreter, Dr.

Fogari’s yearly income.The expense may seem negligible for a single patient, said Antranig Aslanian Jr., the rheumatologist’s attorney.

Fogari exchanged written notes with Gerena, with the help of family members.

Fogari to offer its services and inform him of the law and Gerena’s need, according to court documents.The U.S.

Fogari had treated Irma Gerena for lupus for about a year and a half, beginning in May 2004.

That, on top of the interpreter costs, puts additional strain on doctors and ultimately strains access to care, Aslanian said.

Gerena was not required to show that anything went wrong with her care in order to bring her disability discrimination claim.

But a verdict for punitive damages in a disability discrimination case can be a double whammy for physicians.Since such claims are not covered under traditional...

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