Doctors regularly perform surgical procedures on patients for a variety of health conditions. If a patient subsequently suffers harm following what should be a routine procedure, it is likely due to medical errors on behalf of their surgeon. As such, they may be able to recover damages in a medical malpractice claim. Maryland law requires that in order to prove liability for medical malpractice, a plaintiff must demonstrate both the defendant’s negligence and harm resulting from such carelessness. If they do, however, any verdict in their favor should be upheld, as demonstrated in a recent ruling issued by a Maryland court in a medical malpractice case. If you suffered harm during a surgical procedure, it is important to understand your rights, and you should speak to a Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer regarding what claims you may be able to pursue.
Factual and Procedural History of the Case
It is alleged that the plaintiff commenced a medical malpractice claim against the defendant doctor and defendant medical center, alleging that she suffered injuries during what should have been a routine procedure to remove fibroids from her uterus. The case proceeded to trial; after the plaintiff presented her case, the defendant moved for judgment as a matter of law. The court denied the motion, and the jury found in favor of the plaintiff. The defendants then filed a renewed motion for judgment as a matter of law, which the court denied. The defendants appealed, contending that the plaintiff failed to present adequate evidence to support the jury’s conclusion that they were responsible for her injuries.
Proof of Causation in Medical Malpractice Cases
On appeal, the court affirmed the trial court ruling. In doing so, the court examined the case through the lens of Rule 50(b), which requires a determination of whether, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prevailing party—in this case, the plaintiff—a reasonable jury could have reached the same conclusion.
The court explained that, pursuant to Maryland case law, because the plaintiff prevailed at trial, all disputed facts must be construed in her favor, and she was entitled to the benefit of all reasonable inferences. The court then conducted a de novo review of the district court’s denial of the defendants’ motion challenging the sufficiency of the evidence and concluded that there was indeed enough evidence for a jury to find that the defendants caused the plaintiff’s injuries. Consequently, the court ruled the defendants’ arguments on appeal lacked merit and affirmed the district court’s judgment in favor of Sandoval.
Talk to a Seasoned Maryland Medical Malpractice Attorney
Patients undergoing procedures expect their doctors to exercise reasonable skill and judgment, but tragically, many doctors fail to provide competent care, and their recklessness harms their patients. If you suffered harm during a surgical procedure, you could be owed compensation, and you should talk to an attorney. The experienced Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at Arfaa Law Group have ample experience helping victims of medical negligence seek justice, and if we represent you, we will work tirelessly on your behalf. To arrange a meeting, you can reach us through our online form or by calling (410) 889-1850.