Facts

Earnestine May-McNary, 59, and her husband, Price McNary, sued physician Robert Murray, M.D., after May-McNary suffered complications following gallbladder surgery on July 15, 2013 at St. Mary's Medical Center, in San Francisco.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs contended that Dr. Murray negligently performed the surgery, and that this negligence amounted to medical malpractice. Specifically, they alleged that Dr. Murray stitched May-McNary's liver to her abdominal wall, leaving an open wound that allowed her colon to herniate through the opening. She subsequently underwent additional surgeries to fix the botched surgery.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Dr. Murray denied that he was negligent and asserted various affirmative defenses. He claimed that May-McNary's complicated medical history put her at risk for poor wound healing, and that he did not improperly stitch her organs together.

Result

The jury found Dr.Murray negligent and awarded May-McNary $175,000 in damages. It did not award Mr. McNary any damages.

Poll

9-3 (liability), 12-0 (damages)