Chapman and Garrett Secure Defense Verdict for Hospital in Death Case

L. Peyton Chapman, III and R. Brett Garrett achieved a defense verdict in favor of a local hospital in Montgomery County, Alabama, before the Honorable J.R. Gaines.  The case involved allegations of medical malpractice and wrongful death based upon claims relating to a fall which caused a hip fracture, pressure sores, and an allegation that a catheter-associated urinary tract infection caused the Plaintiff’s decedent to develop urosepsis, respiratory failure, and ultimately to die.  The defense presented evidence that the hospital staff provided appropriate care and treatment with regard to fall prevention measures, pressure sore prevention and treatment, infection control, and all other aspects of the patient’s care.  The defense also presented evidence that the decedent’s death did not occur due to the alleged breaches of the standard of care but, instead, was caused by the decedent’s overwhelming comorbid medical conditions, including systemic vascular disease, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, renal insufficiency, and other related conditions.  On March 16, 2016, the eighth day of trial, the jury returned a defense verdict after approximately one hour and forty-five minutes of deliberation.