On June 16, 2017, Gary W. Patterson, Jr. secured a directed verdict at the Richmond County Supreme Court on behalf of his hospital client in a matter concerning claims of a retained foreign body. Plaintiff alleged the hospital staff negligently left behind a surgical sponge during a vaginal delivery, leading to infection and emotional distress. Sixteen days after the delivery, the plaintiff’s gynecologist discovered a gauze-like material within her vagina.

Mr. Patterson moved to preclude the plaintiff’s expert from offering testimony, as his conclusions would necessarily rely upon impermissible speculation. After hearing oral arguments, the Court granted Mr. Patterson’s application and his subsequent motion to dismiss for failure to make a prima facie case.

This is Mr. Patterson’s third straight directed verdict.