Parties in North Dakota Hepatitis-C Suit Schedule Mediation

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Parties involved in a federal lawsuit tied to a large hepatitis C outbreak in Minot are turning to mediation to try to reach a resolution.

The case has lingered in the courts for a year and a half. None of those involved are detailing their reasons for trying mediation now.

Court documents show a mediation session is scheduled Tuesday, but they don't provide specifics.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can cause serious liver damage or even death. Since August 2013, 52 cases have been linked to the Minot outbreak — the largest such outbreak in the nation in 13 years.

Two victims sued in federal court in April 2014. The case has involved a war of words between ManorCare nursing home and Trinity hospital over who's to blame.