ANNE PRESSLY: Further hearings ordered in case arising from her death.

  • ANNE PRESSLY: Further hearings ordered in case arising from her death.

The Arkansas Supreme Court today ordered further hearings in a damage suit by the mother of Anne Pressly, the KATV anchor fatally beaten in a home intrusion. Circuit Judge Leon Johnson had dismissed the case, holding that invasion of privacy and outrage claims didn’t survive Pressly’s death and that St. Vincent Infirmary, where improper sharing of Pressly’s medical records occurred, couldn’t be held vicariously liable.

Advertisement

The Supreme Court agreed that the invasion of privacy claim didn’t survive. But it ordered more hearings on the claim of emotional distress by her mother, Patricia Cannady, and the claim that St. Vincent could be held liable for actions of its employees. The court said defendants argued that the claims were based on the same facts as the invasion of privacy claim and should thus be dismissed. But the court said the defendants had cited no law to support the premise that the different claims couldn’t be based on the same conduct.

Here’s the opinion. Justice Paul Danielson concurred, but issued a separate opinion on the basis for part of the ruling.

Advertisement

Here’s background on the arguments.

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article Supreme Court invalidates casino amendment Next article Friday To-Do: ‘Enemy of the People’