Pa. Appeals Court Orders New Medical Malpractice Trial Due to Inflammatory Opening Statements and Jury Instruction Flaws

PITTSBURGH — A Pennsylvania appeals court has ruled that a new medical malpractice trial is warranted due to improper opening statements and jury instructions during the original trial. The decision stems from a case involving a patient who alleged that inadequate care led to significant health complications. The three-judge panel’s ruling emphasized that the initial trial proceedings were impacted by prejudicial remarks made by the defendant’s attorney. These statements, deemed misleading, could have swayed the jury’s perception. Legal experts suggest that such comments can severely undermine the fairness of a trial, especially in complex medical … Read more

California Appeals Court Overturns $10 Million Verdict After Judge’s Inflammatory Racial and Sexist Remarks

LOS ANGELES — A California appeals court has overturned a $10 million jury ruling in a sexual harassment lawsuit against the Los Angeles Community College District, citing significant prejudicial errors made during the trial. The court’s decision indicated that the comments and actions of the trial judge, Robert S. Draper, clouded the proceedings. The appellate judges ordered a new trial after determining that Draper’s remarks, which were described as “bizarre” and “inflammatory,” violated the principles of fair trial. Their opinion emphasized that these comments, along with flawed evidentiary rulings, unfairly influenced the outcome of the … Read more