Molly H. Craig Obtains Defense Verdict in Medical Malpractice Trial

President-Elect Molly H. Craig and H. Cooper Wilson, III obtained a defense verdict following a one week medical malpractice trial in Charleston County, South Carolina. The Plaintiff filed an action against a spinal surgeon and his practice in connection with complications the Plaintiff suffered following a spinal fusion procedure performed in 2009. The Plaintiff alleged that the physician negligently placed an interbody cage during the procedure which eventually migrated and caused impingement on the Plaintiff's iliac vein. The Plaintiff developed deep vein thrombosis which required several additional surgeries and resulting permanent injuries.

The defense presented testimony from the Defendant, expert physicians, and treating physicians who testified that the cage was the appropriate size, the cage was reasonably placed, the Defendant checked the positioning of the cage interoperatively numerous times, and the decision to leave the cage in position was reasonable and within the standard of care. The defense also presented testimony that migration of cages and the development of blood clots are known complications of the procedure and can occur absent any medical negligence.

The jury deliberated for two hours returning a verdict in favor of the Defendants.