Opinion ID: 1930062
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Effect of the Verdict on the Professional License of Defendant's Employee

Text: An at-length discussion of this issue would serve no useful purpose. Suffice it to say that, although the entire colloquy concerning the effect of the jury verdict on Dr. Sellers's right to practice medicine was totally irrelevant, it was Plaintiff's counsel who initiated the topic. During his voir dire examination of the jury, Plaintiff's counsel asked: Do all of you understand that in the event that the plaintiff prevails in this case and monetary damages are awarded that it will in no way affect these physicians' right to practice medicine? Following an objection by defense counsel and an exchange of comments between opposing counsel concerning the legal effect of §§ 34-24-56, -57 (Report and Review of Malpractice Settlements), the trial court admonished the jurors: Ladies and Gentlemen, there is one other matter that I want to review with you briefly. During the questioning yesterday, a statement was made about whether or not the doctor would lose his license in the event a judgment was rendered in favor of the plaintiff. Whether or not the doctor would lose his license is not a question for you to consider. It's possible that he would; it's also possible that he wouldn't. It's just not a matter for your consideration, and I instruct you at this time not to consider that statement as given yesterday. Under these circumstances, we find no reversible error.