In a catastrophic injury trial on damages alone, a life care plan is often the pivot on which an award turns. In the face of a defense offer that is more than most jurors will see in their lifetimes, for example, a well-prepared plaintiffs’ life care plan can convincingly detail the reasons a much larger award is needed.   

John Hall delivers his closing argument for Emory Healthcare at trial over the fall that paralyzed Cris Nelson. Jurors awarded Nelson and his wife, Deborah, $15 million. 

Decatur, GA—Jurors Monday found Emory Healthcare liable for $15 million in damages for its role in the fall that paralyzed a patient during a routine blood draw. Nelson v. Emory Healthcare, 14A53202E2.

Lloyd Bell details events leading to Cris Nelson's fall during a blood draw at an Emory Healthcare clinic. Emory has admitted negligence for the fall, which paralyzed Nelson. Jurors will decide damages, which run into the millions. 

 Decatur, GA—Jurors will determine the amount Emory Healthcare owes a man for a paralyzing fall he suffered during a routine blood draw, as trial opened Tuesday against the healthcare provider. Nelson v. Emory Healthcare, 14A53202E2.

Dr. Jose Diaz testifies at trial over the death of Shannon Kelly from diabetes-related complications. Kelly's parents claimed Dr. Dudley Teel and the Indian River Memorial Hospital acted recklessly in tresting the child. 

Vero Beach, FL—A pediatric physician told jurors Wednesday he believed an emergency room doctor acted recklessly in treating a child’s diabetes complications, ultimately worsening brain swelling that led to her death, as trial continued in the suit against the ER doctor and hospital. Kelly v. Indian River Memorial Hospital, 2010-CA-073141.

Elizabeth Zwibel delivers the opening statement in trial against Dr. Dudley Teel and Indian River Memorial Hospital, accused of reckless conduct in their treatment of Shannon Kelly, who died from diabetes-related complications. 

Vero Beach, FL—Whether an ER doctor recklessly engaged in “cell phone medicine” that caused a girl’s death from diabetes complications ignited a fiery debate between attorneys Wednesday as trial opened in a suit by the girl’s parents. Kelly v. Indian River Memorial Hospital, 2010-CA-073141.