In a landmark victory that underscores the importance of holding medical institutions accountable, Goings Law Firm, LLC is proud to announce a monumental $5 million jury verdict in a wrongful death case. This case was brought against the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, South Carolina, for the tragic and preventable death of Ms. Adrianne Branton, a 69-year-old woman with schizophrenia. The verdict was reached after a contentious legal battle, underscoring our firm’s dedication to justice and the protection of patient rights.
Background of the Case
The case centered around the untimely death of Ms. Branton on October 3, 2019, following her discharge from a 9-day stay at Mary Black Hospital’s behavioral health unit. Despite her critical need for continuous psychiatric care, Ms. Branton was discharged to a boarding home in Calhoun County, where she ceased taking her prescribed anti-psychotic medication. Recognizing our client’s manic state, the boarding home operator urgently contacted emergency services, leading to Ms. Branton’s subsequent admission to the Regional Medical Center.
At the hospital, despite recommendations from both an ER physician and a veteran psychiatrist to admit Ms. Branton to the Behavioral Health Unit, a decision was made by the unit’s psychiatrist in charge to discharge her. This decision, made after only temporarily sedating Ms. Branton, tragically led to her death from heat exhaustion the following day, exacerbated by her psychotic delusions.
The Trial and Verdict
Throughout the trial, our legal team, led by Robert Goings alongside co-counsel David Williams of Williams and Williams, and James Moore III and Scott Evans of Evans Moore, presented a compelling argument. We demonstrated that the Regional Medical Center and its staff exhibited gross negligence by failing to adequately stabilize Ms. Branton during her psychotic episode, refusing her necessary admission to the Behavioral Health Unit, and ultimately discharging her to a facility ill-equipped to manage her condition.
For over two years, the defense staunchly denied any responsibility, attributing blame to various parties, including Ms. Branton’s family, and offering a settlement of only $100,000. However, the jury, after less than two hours of deliberation, recognized the gravity of the negligence involved and awarded $5 million in damages, sending a clear message about the value of human life and the critical responsibility healthcare providers have towards their patients.
Our Commitment
This verdict is more than a legal triumph; it is a beacon of hope for those seeking justice against powerful medical institutions. It highlights the critical need for accountability and the rigorous standards to which healthcare providers must be held to prevent future tragedies.
The Goings Law Firm, LLC, along with our esteemed co-counsel, remains deeply committed to advocating for victims of medical malpractice and wrongful death. We believe in the justice system’s ability to bring about meaningful change and are dedicated to fighting tirelessly for our clients.
Acknowledgments
We extend our deepest gratitude to the jury for their service and for recognizing the severity of the negligence that led to Ms. Branton’s death. We also thank our clients for their trust in us during this challenging journey toward justice. This verdict is a testament to their strength and resilience.
Finally, we acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our trial team and co-counsel. This victory is a shared achievement that reflects our collective commitment to upholding the rights of those harmed by the negligence of others.
About Goings Law Firm, LLC
Goings Law Firm, LLC, is a leading personal injury and wrongful death law firm based in South Carolina. With a track record of success in complex litigation, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to individuals and families affected by negligence. Our approach is characterized by diligence, personalized attention, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
For further information, please call (803) 350-9230.
This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
