In the Fairfax Circuit Court case Estate of Belinda Lattimer v. Fairfax Radiological Consultants, PLLC (CL2023-7870), a jury awarded $3,089,602.88 to the family of a 64-year-old grandmother who tragically died following complications from a routine CT-guided lung biopsy. The trial, overseen by Judge Dontaè L. Bugg, concluded on May 8, 2025, after six hours of jury deliberation. Dr. Michael M. Wilson served as plaintiff’s counsel in this matter, working with Lee Livingston as lead counsel.
The decedent, a full-time credit union manager with severe emphysema and non-smoker’s COPD, had remained active and engaged in daily exercise. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist placed a chest tube through the posterior biopsy tract to treat a developing pneumothorax. This placement injured an intercostal artery—a complication that went unrecognized for 28 hours—resulting in massive internal bleeding and cardiac arrest. Although a second interventional radiologist performed a coil embolization, the decedent could not be resuscitated.
Medical Allegations and Expert Testimony
The plaintiff alleged that the standard of care required chest tube placement in the anterior or lateral “safe triangle,” where the intercostal space is wider, and the artery lies beneath the rib, rather than posteriorly at the biopsy site. Plaintiff’s interventional radiology expert presented peer-reviewed medical literature supporting this approach and testified that imaging confirmed the tube had been placed in a high-risk location.
The defense argued that using the biopsy tract was faster and safer, citing the patient’s fragile lungs. However, the plaintiff’s pulmonologist countered that the decedent was highly active, biking more than 10 miles and walking four miles daily, with an estimated life expectancy exceeding 15 years.
Family Impact Testimony
Testimony highlighted the profound personal loss suffered by the decedent’s husband of 26 years, a veteran, and their 35-year-old daughter, who had recently given birth to twins. The husband spoke about their shared life, home, and retirement plans, while the daughter described losing her mother in the early years of her children’s lives, emphasizing the role the decedent played as both a mother and a grandmother.
Settlement and Jury Verdict
Prior to trial, the decedent’s family had demanded $850,000, while the last settlement offer was only $120,000. No offers were extended during the trial. After deliberating, the jury returned a verdict totaling $3,089,602.88, including:
- $3,000,000 in wrongful death damages
- $83,708.74 in medical expenses
- $5,894.14 in funeral expenses
About the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates
The Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates is a distinctive medical malpractice law firm serving patients throughout the Washington, D.C., area. Principal attorney, Dr. Wilson, is both a physician and a lawyer, holding medical and legal degrees from Georgetown University. This unique combination enables him to aggressively pursue medical malpractice claims on behalf of patients and families who have suffered losses due to negligence.
Unlike traditional personal injury firms that rely on third-party medical experts, Dr. Wilson can independently analyze complex legal and medical issues without the risk of miscommunication. This dual experience often proves invaluable in securing favorable outcomes for clients.
With decades of legal experience and combined medical knowledge, Dr. Wilson has obtained over $150 million in compensation for patients and families affected by medical malpractice.
Speak With a Washington, D.C. Medical Malpractice Lawyer at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates
If you or a loved one has been harmed due to medical negligence, our firm is here to help. Contact the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates today for a free consultation with a Washington, D.C. medical malpractice lawyer and a clear prescription for justice. Call 202-223-4488 or complete our online form today. We have an office in Washington, D.C. and serve clients in the surrounding areas.
