Chapman and Stakely Secure Defense Verdict for Cardiothoracic Surgeon

On October 14, 2026, Peyton Chapman and Charlie Stakely achieved a defense verdict in favor of a cardiothoracic surgeon in a medical malpractice case that was tried before the Honorable Cody Robinson in Etowah County, Alabama.  The case involved an alleged delay in diagnosing and treating heparin induced thrombocytopenia during the plaintiff’s hospitalization following emergency coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Plaintiffs claimed that the alleged delay caused thrombotic injury resulting in kidney damage and the amputation of numerous fingers and toes.  The defense responded with supportive expert testimony establishing that the surgeon’s handling of the patient’s care was timely and appropriate, and that the alleged injuries were caused by the patient’s severely compromised overall condition rather than by any breach of the standard of care.  After a week and a half of trial, the jury returned a defense verdict in favor the surgeon.