John Doe, Petitioner v. Dynamic Physical Therapy, LLC, et al.

The Supreme Court said Louisiana could not use a state emergency-immunity law for healthcare providers to block John Doe's federal claims. The justices unanimously reversed the Louisiana appeals court and sent the case back.

The Court reversed 9-0 in an unsigned opinion and decided the case without oral argument.

“"That decision is incorrect. Defining the scope of liability under state law is the State's prerogative."”

The decision means a state cannot wipe out federal claims just by granting immunity under state law. For example, someone suing a healthcare provider under federal law during a public health emergency may still be able to pursue that federal claim.

The case returns to the Louisiana courts for further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court's opinion. The Supreme Court has finished this docket action.

The Court said Louisiana could not use its state immunity law to block the plaintiff's federal claims. It reversed the state appeals court.

People bringing federal claims against healthcare providers during emergencies could benefit. States may set state-law liability rules, but they cannot erase federal claims that way.

The case goes back to the Louisiana courts for more proceedings under the Supreme Court's opinion. The Supreme Court's work on this docket is over.