How Hanson Fuller Achieved a Record-Breaking $38.6M Verdict in a Tragic Surgical Malpractice Case
At Hanson Fuller, we don’t shy away from complex, emotionally charged malpractice cases, especially those that demand accountability from major hospital systems. In one such case, we helped a grieving mother find justice after a catastrophic surgical error at one of Georgia’s most prestigious hospitals.
Our legal team, serving as co-counsel, secured a record-setting $38.6 million surgical malpractice verdict against Emory Healthcare, the largest in its history for a malpractice claim.
This case study shares how we achieved that result, what went wrong in the operating room, and how we gave a voice to a young man whose life was tragically cut short.
How Hanson Fuller Achieved a Record-Breaking $38.6M Verdict in a Tragic Surgical Malpractice Case
At Hanson Fuller, we don’t shy away from complex, emotionally charged malpractice cases, especially those that demand accountability from major hospital systems. In one such case, we helped a grieving mother find justice after a catastrophic surgical error at one of Georgia’s most prestigious hospitals.
Our legal team, serving as co-counsel, secured a record-setting $38.6 million verdict against Emory Healthcare, the largest in its history for a malpractice claim.
This case study shares how we achieved that result, what went wrong in the operating room, and how we gave a voice to a young man whose life was tragically cut short.
A Life Full of Promise and a Preventable Tragedy
Trèvon Falson was just 18 years old — vibrant, hopeful, and living with a mechanical heart pump as he awaited a life-saving heart transplant.
When the call finally came in December 2017, his family was filled with hope. Trèvon was admitted to Emory University Hospital for the procedure. But what should have been a moment of renewed life quickly spiraled into disaster.
The Emory surgical team failed to perform a preoperative CT scan, a basic, essential imaging test that would have revealed a critical detail. A portion of the heart pump had become adhered to the inside of his chest wall.
Without this knowledge, the surgeon unknowingly severed the pump’s graft minutes into the operation. Trèvon experienced catastrophic blood loss. Though placed on life support, he passed away six weeks later — on Christmas Day.
The Legal Fight: Holding Emory Accountable
When Barbara, Trèvon’s mother, sought answers, she found a legal team that wouldn’t back down. Hanson Fuller joined the fight as co-counsel, leading key phases of trial strategy and courtroom execution.
Our Litigation Approach
- David Hanson, our founding partner, took the lead trial role — handling jury selection (voir dire), arguing motions, and presenting complex medical evidence.
- We simplified the case, focusing on Emory’s inexcusable failure to order a basic imaging scan.
- We held expert witnesses accountable, highlighting contradictions in their own published research.
- We gave the jury a clear, emotional understanding of Trèvon’s life, potential, and the preventable nature of his death.
While the defense tried to argue that Trèvon’s death was an unpreventable complication, we proved otherwise and the jury agreed.
A Historic Verdict
After a two-week trial and just seven hours of deliberation, the jury awarded:
- $30 million for the full value of Trèvon’s life
- $6 million for his pain and suffering
- $2.6 million for past medical expenses
Total Verdict: $38.6 Million
Surgical Errors & Medical Malpractice
Surgical errors and preventable mistakes in the hospital setting remain a leading cause of injury and death in the U.S.:
- Medical error is the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer
- More than 250,000 Americans die each year due to medical errors, according to a study from Johns Hopkins
- Surgical mistakes account for about one-third of all malpractice claims involving inpatient care
- Failure to order necessary tests or properly interpret diagnostic imaging is a common contributing factor in high-value claims
This case underscores the importance of vigilance, accountability, and expert legal representation when medical systems fail.
Our Specialty: Medical Malpractice Litigation
At Hanson Fuller, we focus on representing patients and families affected by the most serious forms of medical negligence. We have particular experience with:
- Surgical errors, including failure to order or interpret critical imaging
- Postoperative complications caused by poor planning or communication
- Mismanagement of high-risk patients, including those awaiting transplant
- Delays in diagnosis or treatment of life-threatening conditions
- Systemic hospital failures and lack of oversight
- Wrongful death in complex or high-profile medical cases
Our team knows how to dissect hospital protocols, challenge expert testimony, and build powerful narratives that resonate with juries. We’re not afraid to take on major healthcare systems and win.
If you’re facing a medical malpractice case involving catastrophic injury or loss of life, you need experienced, trial-ready advocates who will fight for full accountability.
Why It Matters
At Hanson Fuller, we believe in telling our clients’ stories fully, fearlessly, and with relentless commitment to justice. This case is a powerful example of:
- What expert courtroom leadership looks like
- How preparation and clarity can overcome powerful defendants
- Why every family deserves the truth and accountability
If you or someone you love has been harmed by medical negligence, you deserve a team that understands your pain, fights with purpose, and knows how to win.
Let Us Help You
Contact Hanson Fuller today for a free and confidential consultation. We’ll explain your rights, evaluate your case, and help you pursue the justice you deserve.