CVN News

Trial to Open Against Georgia Doctor Over Skin Cancer That Cost Patient Most of His Ear

Written by Arlin Crisco | Feb 7, 2020 6:26:04 PM

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Atlanta, GA—Trial is scheduled to open next week against an Atlanta-area dermatologist over skin cancer that cost a Vietnam vet most of his ear. Waldrop v. Payne, et al., 17EV004844. 

According to court filings, Tony Waldrop underwent skin cancer surgery in 2014 that removed most of his right ear and cost him his salivary glands and teeth. He adds that the treatment left him unable to blink his right eye and will likely cause him to go blind in that eye.  

Waldrop contends Dr. Joseph Payne, a dermatologist at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, failed to properly  treat the tumor before 2014 testing revealed the cancer. He also claims Payne knew Waldrop, a Vietnam vet who had been exposed to Agent Orange in the service, had a history of cancer and bore a high-risk of it recurring and spreading. 

Payne, who removed skin cancer from near Waldrop’s ear in mid-2013, claims he properly treated Waldrop both then and for a cyst he diagnosed late that year before Waldrop underwent testing in early 2014 that ultimately revealed the cancer. 

Waldrop is represented by the Bell Law Firm’s Lloyd Bell and the Chronister Law Firm’s Curtis Chronister.  Payne is represented by Peters & Monyak’s Jonathan Peters and Jeffrey Peters

Trial in the case, before Judge Eric Richardson of the Fulton County State Court, is expected to last about a week. CVN will live-stream the trial and will provide updates via the news page.

Email Arlin Crisco at acrisco@cvn.com.

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