Fresno, CA (Sept. 22, 2009) – McCormick Barstow attorney Michael F. Ball successfully defended his physician client in a medical malpractice case involving surgery after a snowboarding-related injury.

In this case, the Plaintiff suffered a fracture of the left distal radius resulting from a fall while snowboarding. While the Plaintiff did seek immediate medical treatment at Clovis Community Hospital’s emergency department, he was eventually referred by his primary care physician to an orthopedic surgeon for follow-up care and evaluation. At the orthopedic surgeon’s recommendation, the Plaintiff chose to undergo an open reduction and internal fixation using plates and screws. Nearly one year later, the Plaintiff sought medical care from another orthopedic surgeon, who performed an osteotomy and bone graft to correct a malunion of the fracture. Still later, another surgeon performed a fusion of the Plaintiff’s wrist.

Plaintiff alleged that the defendant was negligent in failing to properly fix the displaced wrist fracture, leaving an unacceptable alignment following the original surgical repair resulting in pain and restriction in function. Defendant contended that he provided appropriate care, and that given the severity of the Plaintiff’s fracture, the surgical outcome was satisfactory.

At the end of this nearly two week trial, which took place in Fresno Superior Court, the jury returned a unanimous decision on behalf of the physician client.

Mr. Ball is a partner in McCormick Barstow’s Fresno, CA office, and is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. His practice concentrates primarily on professional liability defense, including medical malpractice, physician administrative defense, medical products liability and general negligence as well as elder abuse, civil practice, nursing home litigation, torts and premises liability.

McCormick Barstow LLP is a Martindale-Hubbell AV-peer-rated law firm committed to providing the highest level of legal representation to its clients. This commitment has helped make McCormick Barstow the largest law firm between Sacramento and Los Angeles, as well as one of the most respected law firms in the state. With more than 100 attorneys on staff, a wide array of practice areas, and four offices in three states, McCormick Barstow is capable of handling virtually all of your business and person legal needs.

For more information about McCormick Barstow, or Michael F. Ball, please visit us online at www.mccormickbarstow.com or contact us at (559) 433-1300.

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