Medical Malpractice and Related Actions

Everyone practicing a profession lives day in and day out with the possibility that he or she will be sued for professional negligence. This is especially true in the medical field, where expectations for successful treatment are often unreasonably high and where patients do not have a realistic grasp on the complexities of their individual clinical presentations.

The Weathington Firm understands how difficult it is to do your best for your patients, all the while worrying that the slightest misstep could result in a legal action against you. The firm collectively boasts over 50 years of experience in defending doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other healthcare providers in lawsuits claiming professional negligence, fraud, battery, and related claims. We are poised to handle all aspects of such a claim, from pre-suit investigations and advice, to litigation before the trial court and post-judgment appeals. Depending upon the particular facts involved, we often are able to obtain a dismissal of a suit or to negotiate a favorable settlement that saves the client the intrusion of litigation into his or her day-to-day practice. But when a case goes as far as trial, the defense is in the hands of true trial attorneys, not simply "paper" lawyers. Paul Weathington, the firm's lead trial counsel, has tried successfully more than 50 cases before juries throughout the State of Georgia.

In addition to medical malpractice litigation, the firm's attorneys have represented physicians, medical practices, and other medical providers in a wide array of regulatory and non-litigation matters, including defense of HIPAA privacy violation claims before OSHA's Office of Civil Rights; defense of physicians in claims and investigations before the Georgia Composite Medical Board; medical staff credentialing disputes; and defense of physicians facing complaints before professional organizations in which they are members.

The skill of the firm's attorneys is reflected not only in its track record, but also in the accolades conferred by its peers. The firm enjoys an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell, which is the highest peer-review rating for skill and professionalism available. Three of the firm's attorneys, Paul Weathington, Molly Weathington and Ted Lavender, individually enjoy the same distinction. Mr. Weathington has been certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys in the field of Medical Professional Negligence. In addition, multiple firm attorneys have been recognized in the Georgia Super Lawyers magazine as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in the field of medical malpractice defense.

The Weathington Firm is staffed, not only with attorneys, but also with medical professionals who aid in breaking down the medical aspects of each case and formulating viable defenses. We maintain a staff of experienced nurses who handle day-to-day retrieval and review of pertinent medical records and medical literature. We additionally employ two medical doctors—Truett Jarrard, M.D., a retired internist/cardiologist who serves as a medical consultant, and Stan Riepe, M.D., a gastroenterologist who also is one of our attorneys.