Opinion ID: 1347088
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Grant Bailey

Text: On October 12, 1989, Mr. Bailey underwent back surgery after an on-the-job injury damaged two intervertebral discs. Due to a mislabeled X-ray, the surgeon operated on the wrong disc. A second operation was required. Mr. Bailey met with Hardison and provided him with his medical records and the report of an expert on November 29, 1990. Thereafter, Mr. Bailey contacted or attempted to contact Hardison's office on numerous occasions without success. Twice he spoke with someone at the office but received no information regarding his case; on other occasions, his calls were not returned. On November 7, 1991, Hardison filed a complaint in circuit court which he did not share with his client. On November 20, 1991, Hardison sent Mr. Bailey a copy of the complaint and a letter to notify him that the lawsuit had been filed. Upon reviewing the complaint, Mr. Bailey determined Hardison sued the wrong radiologist and the wrong corporation. The court dismissed the two medical providers from the action, and the case was lost to the statute of limitations on the amended complaint against the proper doctors. Hardison failed to timely appeal. The Panel concluded Hardison violated Rule 1.3 (Diligence) and Rule 1.4(a) (Communication) of the Rules of Professional Conduct. [1] The ODC does not contest this finding.