Jeffrey M. Goodis, David S. Nelson, And Brittany G. Showalter Obtain A Defense Verdict In A Wrongful Death Case In Pinellas County

Jeffrey M. Goodis, David Nelson, And Brittany ShowalterJeffrey M. Goodis, David Nelson, and Brittany Showalter, obtained a defense verdict for a Hospital in a wrongful death case in Pinellas County. The Plaintiff alleged that the Hospital’s employee cardiologist was negligent in failing to send the patient to the emergency room for an emergency cardiac catherization following the results of an exercise stress test. The stress test revealed some ST depression in the recovery phase of the stress test. Following the results of the stress test, the cardiologist recommended and emphasized the importance of undergoing a cardiac catherization. The patient refused this recommendation. Based on the patients refusal, the cardiologist attempted to get more information and recommended that the patient at least undergo a lexiscan stress test. The cardiologist also consulted the patients primary care physician in an attempt to try to have her persuade the patient to undergo the cardiac catherization; the patient again refused the primary care physician’s attempt. The patient passed away a week later. The defense argued that the cardiac catherization was not emergent and that the lexiscan was an appropriate alternative in light of the patients documented refusal. Furthermore, that the ST depression in the recovery phase was a result of the patients longstanding uncontrolled high blood pressure and accordingly, due to left ventricular hypertrophy. During closing arguments, the Plaintiff asked the jury to award in excess of $14 million in non-economic damages. After a 5 day case and less than 2.5 hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict finding that the cardiologist was not negligent.

Lou La Cava and Janett Durkee Obtain A Dismissal For ENT Physician

Janet DurkeeLouis J. La CavaLou La Cava and Janet Durkee obtained a dismissal of their ENT client without any settlement payment in a case alleging the physician was negligent in the care and treatment of a patient’s ear infection. The Plaintiff alleged the failure to appropriately treat the infection with the correct medications resulted in a perforated ear drum and requirement of a reconstructive ear surgery. The Plaintiff alleged damages of hearing loss and ongoing tinnitus. (ringing in the ears) The case was ordered by the court to non-binding arbitration on two separate occasions. Two different arbitrators returned an arbitration result in favor of the Defendant finding no negligence on the part of the physician. After the second arbitration finding no negligence the Plaintiff agreed to dismiss the case against the physician with prejudice.