Developing an appropriate trial strategy in a Maryland medical malpractice case takes legal knowledge and experience. It may also have a significant impact on the outcome of the case. A December 31, 2018 medical malpractice case illustrates the importance of following court orders and procedures during a trial.
In the case, the plaintiff’s actions during trial prompted the judge to admonish her while the jury was seated in the courtroom. The plaintiff’s counsel requested a mistrial, arguing that the exchange had unfairly influenced the jury against the plaintiff. The trial court denied the motion, and the issue was appealed to the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland.
The plaintiff in the case was the estate of a patient who had died while receiving medical care at the defendant’s hospital. The personal representative of the estate, who was the daughter of the patient, filed the action alleging that the defendant was negligent in providing medical treatment to her mother. Prior to trial, the defendant filed a motion to prevent admission of photographs of the patient’s skin wounds to the jury. The judge granted the motion, finding that the photographs could not be authenticated.