In one of the largest medical malpractice verdicts in Georgia history, a Fulton County jury recently awarded more than $56.8 million to the widow of a Vietnam veteran who was permanently disfigured after his dermatologist failed to diagnose and treat recurrent melanoma. The veteran’s years-long struggle for justice culminated in a powerful verdict that held the physician accountable and underscored the high stakes in medical negligence cases.
While HGD Law Firm did not handle this case, it serves as a striking reminder of what victims of medical malpractice endure — and why these complex cases demand a law firm with substantial experience, resources, and a relentless commitment to doing what’s right.
The Case: Misdiagnosis, Disfigurement, and a Decade-Long Legal Battle
The patient at the center of this case was a Vietnam War veteran under the care of a metro Atlanta dermatologist. Despite clear signs that his melanoma had returned, his condition was allegedly misdiagnosed and left untreated, leading to permanent disfigurement and years of pain and suffering.
According to news reports, the legal battle spanned more than a decade and included appeals, a reversal of an earlier verdict, and ultimately a retrial in which the jury awarded $48 million in damages. An additional $8.8 million in interest and costs brought the total to $56.8 million.
This verdict sends a clear message: when physicians violate the standard of care, and patients suffer the consequences, juries are willing to hold them accountable.
Medical Malpractice Cases Are Some of the Most Challenging in Personal Injury Law
At HGD Law Firm, we represent individuals and families who have suffered severe harm due to medical errors. These cases are often more complex, time-intensive, and emotionally difficult than other personal injury matters — and not every firm is equipped to handle them.
Here’s why medical malpractice cases require a different level of legal strategy and support:
1. They Involve Complex Medical Evidence
Medical malpractice claims aren’t about what “feels” like negligence — they’re about proving that a provider failed to meet the accepted standard of medical care. This requires reviewing thousands of pages of medical records, obtaining expert testimony, and clearly explaining complicated medical issues to a jury.
In the Georgia veteran’s case, success hinged on demonstrating that the dermatologist failed to recognize and properly treat a recurring cancer — a fact that only became clear through expert analysis and extensive trial preparation.
2. Expert Testimony is Mandatory
Unlike car accidents or slip-and-fall cases, medical malpractice lawsuits can’t move forward without testimony from qualified medical experts. These experts must explain exactly how the provider deviated from the standard of care and how that failure caused the patient’s injuries.
Finding, vetting, and preparing these experts is expensive and time-consuming — which is why firms without the right resources often struggle to build strong malpractice cases.
3. They Require Significant Resources and Long-Term Commitment
Medical malpractice cases often take years to resolve. In the Georgia case, the family fought for justice for over a decade. That kind of endurance takes more than passion — it takes a firm with the infrastructure, funding, and stamina to stay the course.
4. The Stakes Are Life-Altering
When someone suffers harm from medical negligence, the consequences can be devastating — permanent disability, lost income, disfigurement, or even death. These cases aren’t just about legal arguments; they’re about real people, real suffering, and real futures on the line.
How HGD Law Firm Stands Apart in Medical Malpractice Litigation
With 16 attorneys and a 30-member support team, HGD Law Firm has the strength and experience to take on the most challenging medical malpractice cases. We are proud to offer a client-first approach that is both compassionate and aggressive — ensuring that every client receives the white-glove service and fierce advocacy they deserve.
Here’s what makes our approach different:
Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Our trial lawyers have decades of combined experience handling complex cases involving surgical errors, misdiagnosis, birth injuries, delayed treatment, and wrongful death. We know how to build a case that stands up in court — and how to tell a client’s story in a way that resonates with jurors.
White-Glove Client Support
From the first consultation to the final resolution, our clients receive personalized attention and constant communication. We handle every detail so you can focus on healing. You're not just another file to us — you're part of the HGD family.
Access to Leading Medical Experts
We maintain strong relationships with top medical professionals across multiple specialties. These experts help us build powerful, evidence-based cases that hold negligent providers accountable.
A Commitment to Results
Our goal in every medical malpractice case is simple: deliver justice for our clients and full compensation for the harm they’ve suffered. Whether that means negotiating a favorable settlement or going to trial, we are prepared to do what it takes.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict Is a Wake-Up Call — and a Call to Action
The $56.8 million verdict in Georgia is more than a headline. It’s a wake-up call for negligent healthcare providers and a beacon of hope for victims of medical malpractice.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a medical error, misdiagnosis, or surgical mistake, don’t settle for a firm that’s not equipped to handle the fight. At HGD Law Firm, we’re ready to stand by your side — with experience, compassion, and a proven track record of results.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and peace of mind you deserve.
