Tennessee Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Results in $24M Verdict

A Tennessee jury has awarded nearly $24 million to a woman and her husband in a breast cancer misdiagnosis lawsuit. The award is reportedly one of the largest verdicts ever returned for a medical malpractice lawsuit in Tennessee.

The malpractice complaint was filed by Courtney Hill and her husband, Robert, against Dr. Claudia Moise and OB/GYN Specialists P.C. of Memphis. The Hills alleged that Dr. Moise ignored repeated complaints that Courtney Hill had an unusual lump in her breast. The lump later turned out to be breast cancer that spread to other parts of her body.

The failure to diagnose lawsuit claimed that Courtney Hill complained to Dr. Moise about a mysterious lump in her breast in 2003, but was advised not to be concerned until her next check-up. When Hill appeared for the next check-up, Dr. Moise failed to order a mammogram and said that it was likely a cyst or fatty deposit.

When Hill later became pregnant, the lump got worse. Hill was seen by Moise’ partner, Dr. Paula Pilgrim, who had her undergo a mammogram and ultrasound. The test results revealed that she had breast cancer that had spread to her liver.

To treat the cancer, Courtney Hill had to undergo repeated chemotherapy, a hysterectomy, a lumpectomy and radiation treatment. Hill was too weak to appear in court and her testimony was presented through a video deposition.

Following a two-week trial in Shelby County, the jury awarded $11.85 million to Courtney Hill and $11.74 million to her husband. It is believed to be one of the largest, if not the largest, awards for a Tennessee malpractice lawsuit in the state’s history.