Bell Law Firm Secures $18.3 Million Verdict for Family of Veteran Who Died After Doctors Failed to Communicate

Jury finds cardiology and surgical groups liable for failing to warn patient of heart risk before elective surgery

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A Gwinnett County jury returned a verdict of $18.3 million to the family of Ron Yarbrough, a 64-year-old Air Force veteran and retired postal worker, in a case tried by Bell Law Firm founding partner Lloyd Bell. The verdict follows a medical malpractice trial alleging that two doctors failed to properly evaluate a patient and failed to communicate critical heart test results before clearing Yarbrough for elective surgery, leading to a fatal heart attack.

The jury found Dr. Lance Friedland and his medical practice, Cardiovascular Group PC 70% at fault and Dr. Kota Venkatesh, with Colon and Rectal Clinic LLC 30% at fault. The award includes $1.7 million for medical expenses, $12 million for conscious pain and suffering, and $4.6 million for the full value of Mr. Yarbrough's life. Following the verdict, Dr. Venkatesh and his group settled their portion of the verdict for a confidential sum.

"This case is a tragic example of what happens when physicians put speed over safety and fail to communicate both with their patients and with each other," said Lloyd Bell, lead attorney for the Yarbrough family. "Ron Yarbrough was not just a patient, he was a husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to so many people. He trusted his doctors, and that trust was violated."

In October 2018, Mr. Yarbrough underwent a coronary CT calcium scan that revealed dangerous plaque buildup in his arteries. Instead of acting on the findings, Dr. Friedland’s nurse sent a misleading letter claiming there was "no significant calcification"—a statement that both sides of the dispute agreed was false. Just two weeks later, Mr. Yarbrough's wife called the office to report her husband was experiencing chest tightness and shortness of breath, which are classic signs of heart problems. Dr. Friedland, on cross-examination, conceded the standard of care required him to bring Mr. Yarbrough back to the practice for further evaluation, including a treadmill stress test. That did not happen, however, and other than an adjustment of Mr. Yarbrough’s cholesterol medication, there was no response to these concerning symptoms.

Six months later, Mr. Yarbrough underwent elective colon surgery without ever receiving cardiac clearance. The surgery triggered a heart attack, which dramatically weakened the heart’s ability to pump blood. Despite the best efforts of the care team, Mr. Yarbrough was unable to recover from the damage to his heart. After a 36-day struggle in the hospital—including multiple surgeries and a series of new cardiac events—Ron Yarbrough died on July 12, 2019.

"Our jury system works," Bell added. "Twelve random jurors selected to decide this case spoke with one voice and sent a message that was loud and clear: doctors must treat their patients with the respect and care they are entitled to under the law. They failed to fulfill their duty to Ron Yarbrough, and the jury held them accountable. Justice was done."

Bell Law Firm extends its deepest sympathies to the Yarbrough family and honors their courage in pursuing justice. More details about the case can be found here. For more information about Bell Law Firm's mission to help victims of medical malpractice, visit www.belllawfirm.com.

About Bell Law Firm

Bell Law Firm is Georgia's leading medical malpractice and catastrophic injury firm. Founded in 1999 by Lloyd Bell, the firm has recovered hundreds of millions for clients and families harmed by medical negligence, including a record $75M verdict, the largest in Georgia history. The firm also achieved a record-breaking $26M verdict against a Columbus hospital and a $15M verdict against the largest healthcare provider in Georgia. In addition to delivering record verdicts, Bell Law Firm was awarded "Personal Injury Litigation Team of the Year" and "Most Innovative Law Firm" by The Daily Report. Lloyd is also the only Georgia attorney in the Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only group of 100 leading trial attorneys in the United States. For more information, visit www.belllawfirm.com or listen to Lloyd's podcast, "Face the Jury."