A woman in her early sixties was diagnosed with a large, symptomatic benign mass near her liver. She sought consultation with a board-certified general surgeon who performed complex hepatobiliary procedures regarding its removal. The surgeon performed a liver resection, removing the mass and a significant portion of the liver. Shortly after, an injury to a ductual structure was discovered, leading to additional operations, further medical issues, and permanent impairment.

The plaintiff claimed the medical professional failed to obtain informed consent including failing to offer a supposedly safer alternative surgical approach, failing to disclose a lack of prior experience with this specific type of large growth removal using the chosen advanced surgical technique, arguing the complex procedure should not have been undertaken at a facility without top-tier specialization, and performing the operation negligently, resulting in the subsequent harm. The injured party sought substantial financial compensation for both non-monetary and monetary losses.

The defense countered that the medical professional possessed extensive experience with the advanced surgical technique and relevant organ procedures, despite this being the first instance involving this particular type of pathology. They the surgeon possessed adequate training and that comprehensive information was provided to the patient. The surgeon appropriately obtained informed consent from the patient. Furthermore, the defense contended that the suggested alternative surgical approach was impractical due to the growth’s dimensions, location, and proximity to critical blood vessels. Finally, the defense maintained that the surgery was executed correctly and the injury stemmed from a recognized delayed complication associated with the surgery. A jury quickly reached a unanimous decision in favor of the defense.

Richard Suhrheinrich Wins No-Cause Verdict in Medical Malpractice Case

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