Achievements & Results

Motion to Dismiss Granted in a South Carolina Medical Malpractice Case

Partner Gary Lovell and Associate Lee Weatherly recently won a Motion to Dismiss for their client, a hematologist, in a Charleston, South Carolina medical malpractice case. The Plaintiff alleged that the hematologist was negligent in his management of the Plaintiff’s care after he underwent a splenectomy. The Plaintiff contended that the hematologist neglected to diagnose a post-surgical infection leading to an unnecessary cholecystectomy and months of unnecessary complications including pulmonary insufficiency, respiratory insufficiency, and renal failure. As required under South Carolina law, the Plaintiff filed the supporting affidavit to a medical expert with his Notice of Intent to File Suit. However, the expert (a California surgeon) died in the days before the affidavit was filed with the Court. Lee argued to the Court that Plaintiff’s Notice of Intent to File Suit was deficient and invalid because the Plaintiff failed to file an affidavit of a living expert witness contemporaneously with their Notice of Intent to File Suit as required under South Carolina law. Second, he argued that Plaintiff’s Notice of Intent to File Suit was deficient and invalid because the Plaintiff’s expert witness was not Board Certified in hematology, nor did he actively practice in that area. Finally, he argued that Plaintiffs failed to file a Summons and Complaint within the time requirements mandated by South Carolina law. The Judge found these arguments persuasive and ruled that the hematologist be dismissed with prejudice.