June 24, 2009 : Chris Jennifer Carling Gains Defense Verdict for Pediatrician
Associate Chris Jennifer Carling of the Firm's Scranton office successfuly represented a pediatrician against an allegation that the doctor failed to diagnose a condition known as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The plaintiff alleged that the physician didn’t perform appropriate testing during his newborn examination. Because of this delay, the infant had to have extensive surgery to attempt to correct this condition, which could have been treated earlier on by conservative treatment. The plaintiff’s experts opined that plaintiff is left with a permanent disability as a result of the delay in diagnosis.
Ms. Carling presented expert testimony and testimony from her client to demonstrate that proper testing was performed and to show that DDH is not always diagnosable on the first newborn visit and is never treated with just one negative finding. Although the pediatrician did not perform one of the tests commonly used to diagnose DDH, the doctor and the defense expert explained that there are other tests used to make this diagnosis. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the pediatrician.
File Under: Results, Medical Professional Liability