At Waranch & Brown, we recently obtained a defense verdict in a complex medical malpractice case tried in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. The case involved a young mother of two who was gravely ill and in urgent need of a liver transplant. She suffered from multiple comorbidities and was on life support when she arrived at the hospital. A transplant was the only intervention that could have prolonged her life.
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Our success at trial was due, in large part, to humanizing the providers and making the medicine accessible to the jurors. Every health care professional should understand the importance of these factors they ever find themselves facing litigation.
- Establish a clear theme.
From the outset, our defense centered on one consistent message: this patient needed a liver transplant in the worst way, and everyone involved was fighting to save her life. We reinforced that theme in opening, through testimony, and again in closing. Afterward, jurors told us they understood and accepted that truth. It was a primary reason for the defense verdict. - Prepare and humanize the treating providers.
We selected a few essential treaters whose testimony mattered most and prepared them extensively. They faced difficult questions, but they testified with honesty and compassion. Jurors described them as credible, relatable and sincere. Preparation and authenticity made a lasting impression. - Choose experts who teach.
Jurors also noted a clear contrast between the plaintiff’s experts and ours. They found our experts likable, approachable, and, most importantly, teachers. They explained complex issues in plain language and treated the jury with respect. From clarity, came trust.
No health care provider wants to be involved in a lawsuit but, if you are, focus on preparing thoroughly and communicating with empathy and clarity. Jurors respond not just to evidence, but to the intent, care and professionalism behind it.
At Waranch & Brown, we know how to bring those qualities forward, so that jurors see the full story of the care provided and reach a fair, evidence-based verdict. If you’d like to discuss how these principles might apply to your case, our team is here to help.