In a landmark decision, a jury in Houston County awarded $6 million to the family of a 71-year-old woman who died following a gallbladder surgery, marking one of the largest medical malpractice judgments in the county’s history. The verdict concerns the case of Christa Anne Davis, who suffered complications after her surgery performed by Dr. Bradley Marker at Wiregrass Surgical.
Christa Anne Davis underwent gallbladder surgery in 2017, but her recovery was severely compromised due to alleged negligence on the part of Dr. Marker. Testimonies presented during the five-day trial revealed that Marker failed to conduct a proper follow-up examination, neglecting to monitor Davis’s vital signs before discharging her. Following the procedure, she was sent home despite showing signs of distress, ultimately leading to her death on the same night.
The trial featuring expert witnesses played a critical role in highlighting the deficiencies in care provided to Davis. According to her daughter, Betsy Davis Swihart, the level of attention given to her mother post-surgery was inadequate, supporting the claim that Dr. Marker acted with negligence. The jury’s decision reflects their belief that Davis should have received a higher standard of medical care, emphasizing the significance of accountability within healthcare practices.