Tarrant judge denies hospital’s request for new trial, upholds $8.3M award in malpractice suit

A judge denied a hospital’s request for a new trial involving a payout to a woman who was grievously injured during surgery in 2014.

Judge Brooke Allen in Tarrant County Probate Court 2 upheld a $8.3 million award to John and Angela Davis, who had sued Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth.

Angela is paralyzed and can’t speak. She can blink and grunt to communicate. Since the hospital hasn’t paid anything yet, it’s up to Angela’s husband and daughter to provide 24/7 care. Before the operation, Angela Davis was a Fort Worth parole officer.

“She’s in really bad shape,” Davis’ attorney Mark Suddert said Thursday.

Angela was injured when incorrect medications were injected into her spine during hip surgery resulting in brain damage.

Hospital attorney Grant Blaies maintained the anesthesia provider made the mistake, and because they are a contractor for the hospital, they are responsible for the injury, not the hospital.

But Sudderth said the hospital is responsible for its own practices.

The judge said she would rule Jan. 5 if the money will be paid in a lump sum or periodically as needed.

This story was originally published December 15, 2022 at 5:09 PM.