Michael Miller, Shareholder and Kelly Houk, Senior Counsel, recently secured a defense victory for a healthcare organization in Montcalm County facing a medical malpractice claim. The plaintiff alleged that antiplatelet and anticoagulation medications should have been prescribed following a hip replacement surgery to prevent a stroke that occurred postoperatively.
Our team demonstrated that the stroke was most likely caused by a recent atrial fibrillation (AFib) diagnosis. Expert testimony established that, even if the medications had been prescribed, the stroke could not have been prevented given the timing and nature of the AFib. The jury quickly returned a verdict in favor of the defense.
While the outcome was a clear win for SHRR and our client, the greater victory was the experience gained by our team. Kelly Houk, Senior Counsel, who joined Smith Haughey in late 2024, played a pivotal role in securing and coordinating expert witnesses while supporting trial strategy.
“Preparing for this trial gave us a great opportunity to involve our associates in meaningful, hands-on work,” said Miller. “Our summer associates joined just in time to assist with final preparations and observe the trial in action.”
At SHRR, we’re proud to continually strengthen our team and deepen our expertise in medical malpractice defense.
