Malpractice

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

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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

Virginia Court Overturns Medical Malpractice Verdict Following Jury Missteps on ‘Habit Instruction’

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A Virginia appeals court has reversed a medical malpractice ruling that hinged on the jury’s use of a disputed “habit instruction.” The decision, issued recently, has significant implications for similar cases in the state. The case in question originated from a medical malpractice claim against a physician who allegedly failed to provide appropriate care. After a jury found in favor of the plaintiff, the trial court’s instructions to the jury were called into question. Specifically, one instruction suggested jurors could rely on the idea that a person generally acts in accordance with their established habits … Read more

Jury Awards $100,000 in Legal Malpractice Case Against Celebrity Attorney Mark Geragos Amid Controversial Nike Negotiations

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Los Angeles, California — A jury has awarded $100,000 in damages in a malpractice case involving prominent attorney Mark Geragos, who was accused of conspiring with the now-imprisoned Michael Avenatti to undermine a client’s legal claims against Nike. The case centered around allegations that Geragos played a role in facilitating Avenatti’s illegal conduct at the expense of his client, Gary Franklin, a youth basketball coach. Geragos’ attorney, Sean Macias, argued that the jury concluded no harm was caused by Geragos’ actions. Macias maintained that the jury found Geragos did not contribute to any damage suffered … Read more

Colorado Supreme Court Weighs Jury Authority in Multi-Million Dollar Medical Malpractice Case

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Colorado justices are weighing the extent of judicial authority over jury awards in medical malpractice cases, a debate ignited by the injury of a newborn girl. Following a severe hospital error that led to lasting damage, her parents sought compensation, resulting in a jury award of over $27 million primarily for future care. However, Colorado law generally caps such damages at $1 million, with exceptions possible if a judge identifies compelling reasons to exceed that limit. Now, the Colorado Supreme Court is addressing crucial questions about judges’ roles after juries have made their decisions. Specifically, … Read more