Sargis v. Donahue
142 Conn. App. 505
| Conn. App. Ct. | 2013Background
- Septic medical malpractice action where executor for decedent sues Donahue, a surgeon, and New Britain Surgical Group, for postoperative infection management.
- Decedent underwent laparoscopic repair with mesh placement on September 23, 2002; infection develops postoperatively.
- Emergency room visit on September 28, 2002; given antibiotics (two at ER) and instructed to finish a Z‑pak; record notes signs of bruising but no inflammation.
- Office visit on September 30, 2002; signs of cellulitis noted but no microbiological testing or new antibiotics prescribed; advised to continue Z‑pak.
- October 21, 2002: cellulitis diagnosed again; two antibiotics prescribed; November 1, 2002: exploratory surgery reveals infected mesh; mesh removed; decedent experiences ongoing pain and disfigurement.
- Plaintiff jury verdict in favor of plaintiff for $149,334; defendants move for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV); court grants JNOV, prompting appeal.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the trial court applied the correct causation standard | Sargis argues lost chance standard was misapplied; applies standard appropriate to ordinary malpractice. | Donahue/New Britain contends traditional causation applies; lost chance not applicable. | Court erred; standard misapplied; reversed |
Key Cases Cited
- Weaver v. McKnight, 134 Conn. App. 652 (Conn. App. 2012) (causation standard for medical malpractice; substantial factor test)
- Gagne v. Vaccaro, 255 Conn. 390 (Conn. 2001) (directing standard for directed verdicts/JNOV review)
- Suarez v. Sordo, 43 Conn. App. 756 (Conn. App. 1996) (manifest unjust standard for directed verdicts)
- Macchietto v. Keggi, 103 Conn. App. 769 (Conn. App. 2007) (expert testimony and proximate causation in malpractice)
- Milliun v. New Milford Hospital, 129 Conn. App. 81 (Conn. App. 2011) (reasonableness of probability in expert testimony)