Court Opinion

ID: 3215175
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-06-21 13:09:50.167418+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:30:05.029875
License: Public Domain

IN THE MISSOURI COURT OF APPEALS
                     WESTERN DISTRICT

JOSEPHINE WILSON,                                )
                                                 )
                                    Appellant,   )
                                                 )   WD78538
v.                                               )
                                                 )   OPINION FILED:
                                                 )   June 21, 2016
P.B. PATEL, M.D., P.C., and                      )
ROHTASHAV DHIR, M.D.,                            )
                                                 )
                                 Respondents.    )

                Appeal from the Circuit Court of Buchanan County, Missouri
                          The Honorable Weldon C. Judah, Judge

                   Before Division IV: Alok Ahuja, Chief Judge, Presiding,
                   Mark D. Pfeiffer, Judge, and J. Dale Youngs, Special Judge

       Ms. Josephine Wilson (“Wilson”) appeals the judgment, following a jury trial, of the

Circuit Court of Buchanan County, Missouri (“trial court”), in favor of defendants P.B. Patel,

M.D., P.C., and Rohtashav Dhir, M.D. (collectively, “Dhir”), on Wilson’s medical malpractice

claim. On appeal, Wilson claims instructional, evidentiary, jury venire, and closing argument

errors by the trial court. We affirm.
                               Factual and Procedural Background

          Wilson had a history of acid reflux and trouble swallowing; she had been treated for these

conditions since about 2000. She underwent balloon dilation of her esophagus for her reflux in

2004 and again in 2005, which provided some long-term relief.

          In the fall of 2009, Wilson saw Dr. Scott Knappenberger, an ear, nose, and throat

specialist. Dr. Knappenberger diagnosed chronic pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat lining),

and globus sensation (subjective feeling of something stuck in the throat, resulting in difficulty

swallowing, but without physical findings to suggest an abnormality). He referred her to Dhir, a

gastroenterologist, for consultation and evaluation.

          Dhir saw Wilson in his office on December 2, 2009, and prescribed Kapidex, a

medication for her reflux.         He scheduled an appointment for Wilson to undergo an

esophagogastroduodenoscopy (“endoscopy”) on December 8, 2009, at an outpatient clinic. His

notes from the December 2 appointment state, “An [endoscopy] will be performed.                 The

procedure was discussed with the patient today. The patient voices understanding. She might

need dilation of the esophagus depending on the findings.” Wilson understood after this visit

that Dhir “was going to go in and do a scope like Dr. McCormick had done” in 2004 and 2005

and that “if there was any problem, that he would fix it like Dr. McCormick had done in the

past.”

          On December 8, 2009, Dhir performed the endoscopy, through which Dhir was able to

visualize Wilson’s esophagus and stomach down to her duodenum. The endoscope revealed

“nothing in the duodenum that would stimulate any further action on my part or important to be

noted.”     Dhir found gastritis in her stomach and a single polyp near the top of Wilson’s

                                                  2
esophagus, which he removed with forceps. Dhir’s operative report stated that Wilson’s “GE

junction [where the stomach meets the esophagus] and the esophagus seem to be normal.”

       Despite the normal findings of the endoscopy, Dhir decided to perform an esophageal

dilation procedure, or a stretching of Wilson’s esophagus, using a large, rubbery bore dilator. As

the dilator was manually pushed down the esophagus, Dhir felt for resistance of the dilator going

through a narrowing. Dhir testified that the “dilation went smooth,” and he felt nothing other

than an expected mild resistance.

       Upon withdrawal of the dilator, Dhir observed that the guidewire was kinked. Dhir

performed another endoscopy and observed a tear in the esophageal lining that he concluded had

been caused by the dilation. One of the risks of dilation is tearing or perforating the esophagus.

       Dr. Robert Zink, a cardiothoracic surgeon, repaired the esophageal tear. The repair

required Dr. Zink to open Wilson’s chest wall, spread her ribs, and collapse one of her lungs to

reach the esophagus. During the repair, Dr. Zink observed no esophageal abnormalities other

than the tear. He noticed no fibrous tissues or otherwise abnormal tissues. Following the repair,

Wilson has experienced pain in her chest “all the time. It’s not just the ribs. It’s the nerves. It’s

the muscles . . . .” Her pain feels like “a huge knife that’s on fire and it’s just stabbing me and it

just burns.”

       Wilson’s argument of malpractice was that the esophageal dilation was medically

unnecessary and below the standard of care because she had a normal esophagus without signs or

findings of a stricture or other abnormality, and there was no reason to stretch it. Wilson’s

expert, Dr. Richard Dwoskin (“Dwoskin”), testified that the established and relevant standard of

care at the time of the procedure was, “Don’t dilate unless you see a structural abnormality.”

Dwoskin opined that Wilson’s difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, was caused by her reflux and

                                                  3
that it could have been treated with the Kapidex medication alone. Dwoskin, who relied upon

guidelines issued from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (“ASGE”), testified

that empiric dilation (dilation without findings of stricture or abnormality) fell out of favor no

later than 2006 because medical research failed to establish any benefit to dysphagia patients that

outweighed the risk of esophageal perforation, and medication was effective and less risky.

Dwoskin opined that Dhir should have continued treating Wilson with medication, set a

follow-up appointment, and re-evaluated her progress at that time.

       Dhir contended that he exercised sound professional judgment in deciding to perform the

dilation, despite the normal endoscopy findings, because he thought it would help her with her

dysphagia, and because sometimes abnormal esophageal tissues occurred in outer layers of the

esophagus that were not visible with endoscopy. Dhir also had an expert, Dr. Ginsburg, testify

on his behalf. Dr. Ginsburg opined that the ASGE guidelines that counseled against empiric

dilation did not apply in every case and that sometimes empiric dilation was appropriate, as it

was in Wilson’s case. Dr. Ginsburg opined that his conclusion was supported by the fact that

Wilson had a history of esophageal strictures, dysphasia, and the absence of a condition called

eosinophilic esophagitis. Dr. Ginsburg opined that Dhir had employed the appropriate standard

of care in treating Wilson.

       At trial, Wilson did not present a claim for failure to provide informed consent. Her only

theory at trial was that Dhir was negligent in performing the dilation absent abnormal findings

during the endoscopy. Nonetheless, Dhir’s counsel mentioned during opening statement that

Wilson signed an “informed consent” that stated that the risks and benefits of the endoscopy had

been explained to her and “that my doctor may choose to do other procedures if necessary.”

Wilson’s counsel did not object to the mention of the “informed consent” in opening statements.

                                                4
Dhir’s counsel also cross-examined Wilson about the “informed consent.” Again, Wilson’s

counsel did not object but on redirect used the informed consent documentation to question

Wilson about whether the form was just one of many forms that she was asked to sign

immediately before the endoscopy, forms that Wilson claimed she had not had the time to read

closely before signing them.

         Dhir’s counsel later asked Dhir on his direct examination whether his patients are asked

to sign an “informed consent” document. At this point, Wilson’s counsel finally objected to the

“informed consent” line of questioning on the basis of relevancy. This objection was overruled,

and Wilson does not challenge that ruling on appeal.                     At several later points during the

testimony, esophageal perforation was described as a “known complication” of esophageal

dilation. After the close of the evidence, Wilson’s counsel requested a withdrawal instruction to

remove “informed consent to the esophageal dilation” from the jury’s consideration, as Wilson

had not pleaded an “informed consent” claim in her lawsuit nor had any plans to submit such a

claim to the jury. The trial court refused the instruction.

         In closing arguments, Dhir’s counsel argued that Wilson “was aware and agreed that

there was a possibility that Dr. Dhir might do a dilation upon her” and that Wilson suffered a

“known complication” of the dilation. Wilson’s counsel did not object to this argument.

         During deliberations, the jury1 asked to see “a copy of the consent form that Ms. Wilson

signed before the procedure with Dr. Dhir.” It was given to them. Ultimately, the jury returned

with a verdict for the defense. This appeal follows.

         1
          Wilson challenged two jury venirepersons for cause, but her motions to strike both of these venirepersons
were overruled by the trial court. Wilson appeals the denial of her motions to strike as her Points VI and VII in this
appeal. Additional relevant facts relating to these points are set forth in the section discussing our ruling on them.

                                                          5
                                              Standard of Review

         All of the issues on appeal are generally governed by the abuse of discretion standard.

Swartz v. Gale Webb Transp. Co., 215 S.W.3d 127, 129-30 (Mo. banc 2007) (withdrawal

instructions); Gleason v. Bendix Commercial Vehicle Sys., L.L.C., 452 S.W.3d 158, 178 (Mo.

App. W.D. 2014) (closing arguments); Peterson v. Progressive Contractors, Inc., 399 S.W.3d
850, 869 (Mo. App. W.D. 2013) (admission of evidence); Joy v. Morrison, 254 S.W.3d 885, 888

(Mo. banc 2008) (strikes for cause). A trial court abuses its discretion when its ruling “is clearly

against the logic of the circumstances then before the court and is so arbitrary and unreasonable

as to shock the sense of justice and indicate a lack of careful consideration.” Brizendine v.

Bartlett Grain Co., 477 S.W.3d 710, 714 (Mo. App. W.D. 2015) (internal quotation omitted).

                                               Informed Consent

         Wilson’s first two points on appeal argue error with the trial court’s handling of the

“informed consent” issue and will thus be discussed together.

         Of note, Wilson does not deny that she did not object to Dhir’s counsel’s discussion of

the informed consent documentation in Dhir’s opening statement. Wilson does not deny that

both parties injected testimony about the informed consent documentation without objection

during the trial. Wilson does not even challenge the trial court’s subsequent ruling during trial

overruling her relevancy objection to Dhir’s testimony about the “informed consent”

documentation. Rather, Wilson claims, in her first point on appeal, that the trial court abused its

discretion in refusing to submit to the jury her withdrawal instruction2 regarding informed

         2
           The trial court possesses discretion to submit withdrawal instructions “when evidence on an issue has
been received, but there is inadequate proof for submission of the issue to the jury; when there is evidence presented
which might mislead the jury in its consideration of the case as pleaded and submitted; when there is evidence
presented directed to an issue that is abandoned; or when there is evidence of such character that might easily raise a
false issue.” Brizendine v. Bartlett Grain Co., 477 S.W.3d 710, 715 (Mo. App. W.D. 2015) (internal quotation
omitted).

                                                          6
consent and, in her second point on appeal, that the trial court abused its discretion in permitting

“informed consent” argument by Dhir’s counsel in closing argument.

       The relevancy of “informed consent” evidence in a case where lack of consent has not

been pled or submitted to a jury by the plaintiff at trial has not previously been discussed by

Missouri courts. Wilson cites to numerous cases from other jurisdictions in her brief. While

Dhir correctly points out that none of these cases is binding on this court, many of the cases

decided in other jurisdictions were also issues of first impression, and they themselves looked to

other states for guidance. They also are essentially unanimous in their conclusions that evidence

of informed consent is irrelevant as to whether a physician has committed medical negligence.

See, e.g., Matranga v. Parish Anesthesia of Jefferson, LLC, 170 So. 3d 1077 (La. Ct. App. 2015);

Brady v. Urbas, 111 A.3d 1155 (Pa. 2015); Fiorucci v. Chinn, 764 S.E.2d 85 (Va. 2014); Baird

v. Owczarek, 93 A.3d 1222 (Del. 2014); Warren v. Imperia, 287 P.3d 1128 (Or. Ct. App. 2012);

Schwartz v. Johnson, 49 A.3d 359 (Md. Ct. Spec. App. 2012); Hayes v. Camel, 927 A.2d 880

(Conn. 2007); Wright v. Kaye, 593 S.E.2d 307 (Va. 2004).

       The Schwartz case from Maryland is perhaps the most factually similar. In that case,

although the patient plaintiff had signed a pre-procedure consent document acknowledging the

risks and complications of the procedure (in that case, a colonoscopy), and the patient ultimately

suffered one of the known complications relating to that procedure, the court found all evidence

of the informed consent to be irrelevant because the plaintiff was not claiming that the physician

had failed to obtain his informed consent to perform the colonoscopy procedure but that the

physician had performed the colonoscopy procedure negligently. Schwartz, 49 A.3d at 365-66.

The Schwartz court examined cases from other jurisdictions and noted that, unless a patient

refuses treatment recommended by her doctor or elects to follow an unconventional medical

                                                 7
treatment, it cannot be said that a patient “assume[s] the risk” of medical negligence merely by

receiving and signing an informed consent. Id. at 371. The court found that to conclude

otherwise would mean that the informed consent would, in effect, mean that the physician “owed

no duty” to his patient. Id. at 372 (internal quotation omitted). Quoting a Delaware case, Storm

v. NSL Rockland Place, LLC, 898 A.2d 874, 880 (Del. Super. Ct. 2005), the Schwartz court

stated, “Regardless of whether the patient elects to have healthcare or requires it, the patient

appropriately expects that the treatment will be rendered in accordance with the applicable

standard of care. This is so regardless of how risky or dangerous the procedure or treatment

modality might be.” Id.

       The Schwartz court also pointed out the disparity in knowledge between doctors and their

patients, which often precludes patients from even knowing whether their doctors’ conduct was

negligent. Id. When the physician does not admit negligence, as in Schwartz and as in this case,

the only risk a patient assumes by signing an informed consent is the risk of a non-negligent

complication, and the assumption of this risk can be raised “only as a defense to a claim of a

breach of informed consent, which claim was not brought by [the patient] in the instant case.”

Id. at 373. The court noted, as Missouri courts have found, that breach of informed consent and

negligent medical malpractice claims are “separate, disparate theories of liability.” Id. (internal

quotation omitted). It concluded that any evidence of the informed consent would be irrelevant

and would be prejudicial to the plaintiff. Id. at 374. Such evidence “could only serve to confuse

the jury because the jury could conclude, contrary to the law and the evidence, that consent to the

surgery was tantamount to consent to the injury which resulted from that surgery. In effect, the

jury could conclude that consent amounted to a waiver, which is plainly wrong.” Wright v.

Kaye, 593 S.E.2d 307, 317 (Va. 2004).

                                                8
        Evidence of informed consent has not only been found to be irrelevant and prejudicial in

cases where negligent performance of a procedure are alleged but also when negligent

misdiagnosis has caused a physician to perform a procedure that was unnecessary. Fiorucci v.

Chinn, 764 S.E.2d 85, 87 (Va. 2014).

        That said, the procedural posture of this line of cases relate to objections as to the

admissibility of “informed consent” evidence, not a challenge to the wide discretion possessed by

a trial court in refusing to withdraw evidence (via a withdrawal instruction) that has already been

admitted at trial. It is in this regard that Wilson’s present case differs significantly from all of the

precedent Wilson has cited in support of her appeal.

        In the present case, no motion in limine regarding the “informed consent” document or

Wilson’s discussion of possible risks with Dhir or his staff was filed. When Dhir’s counsel

mentioned informed consent in opening statements, Wilson did not object. When Wilson was

asked about the informed consent documentation during her cross-examination, her counsel did

not object but rather attempted to discount the effect of the document in redirect by counting it as

one of many documents that were hurriedly presented to Wilson immediately prior to her

surgery, which gave her little or no opportunity to read the documentation in a meaningful

manner. No objection to the topic of informed consent was made until Dhir was examined by his

counsel in his case-in-chief.       Thus, Wilson’s “counter-attack” of the informed consent

documentation and her counsel’s delay in objecting to the evidence regarding informed consent

resembles a trial strategy gone awry, not reversible error by the trial court.

        Even now, Wilson does not claim in her points relied on that the trial court erred in

overruling her objection to the relevance of this evidence. Wilson only claims error in the trial

court’s refusal to grant a withdrawal instruction. And while we likely would not have found an

                                                   9
abuse of discretion had the trial court accepted the offered withdrawal instruction and read it to

the jury, we cannot conclude that the trial court abused its broad discretion in refusing the

withdrawal instruction, considering how much discussion of the evidence had already been

introduced by both parties prior to the request for a withdrawal instruction.3 A trial court is in

the best position to determine whether the jury would be confused by a withdrawal instruction,

and often, “the better practice is to tell the jury what the issues are rather than to tell them what

issues are not.” Nelson v. O’Leary, 291 S.W.2d 142, 148 (Mo. 1956).

        Similarly, where both parties had introduced evidence on the topic of informed consent

and Wilson did not object to Dhir’s counsel’s argument related to that evidence, we refuse to

convict the trial court of error for failing to sua sponte prohibit Dhir’s counsel’s closing

argument commentary on the informed consent topic.

        Though Wilson cites to Gleason v. Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, L.L.C., 452
S.W.3d 158, 178-79 (Mo. App. W.D. 2014), for the proposition that the trial court has discretion

to control closing arguments, the appellant in Gleason had objected to the closing argument at

trial. Wilson’s failure to object means that her second point on appeal is reviewed only for plain

error. State v. Powell, 286 S.W.3d 843, 852 (Mo. App. W.D. 2009). Rarely is a trial court’s

failure to sua sponte interrupt a closing argument plain error. Id. Furthermore, “the permissible

field of argument is broad, and so long as counsel does not go beyond the evidence and the

issues drawn by the instructions . . . [counsel] is permitted wide latitude in his comments.”

Heshion Motors, Inc. v. Western Int’l Hotels, 600 S.W.2d 526, 534 (Mo. App. W.D. 1980).

        3
          Wilson’s reliance upon Womack v. Crescent Metal Products, Inc., 593 S.W.2d 481 (Mo. App. 1976), and
Sampson v. Missouri Pacific Railroad Co., 560 S.W.2d 573 (Mo. banc 1978), is misplaced. The party seeking the
withdrawal instruction in those cases introduced the objectionable evidence through inadvertence (Womack) or out
of a necessity to prove a different issue critical to the case (Sampson). Womack, 539 S.W.2d at 485; Sampson, 560
S.W.2d at 584. Here, there was nothing inadvertent or necessary about Wilson’s counsel’s decision to attempt to
explain away the significance of the informed consent documentation in the redirect testimony of Wilson. Further,
the evidence had already been mentioned in opening statement and was the topic of lengthy witness examination
previously in the case, both without objection. Thus, Womack and Sampson are inapposite to the present case.

                                                       10
Here, the closing argument complained of was confined to evidence that had been introduced at

trial without objection.

       Points I and II are denied.

                                     Eosinophilic Esophagitis

       Wilson’s next three points on appeal relate to evidence about a medical condition called

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (“EoE”). Because the points are interrelated, we address them together.

       EoE is a condition wherein a person experiences an allergic reaction to food. It can cause

inflammation of the esophagus and could possibly explain a patient’s difficulty swallowing. It is

accepted medical practice that esophageal dilation of EoE patients is contraindicated because

patients with EoE are much more prone to esophageal laceration or perforation. As mentioned

earlier, Wilson’s expert, Dr. Dwoskin, testified that empiric esophageal dilation is not

recommended in the medical community post-2006 due to its limited effectiveness relative to its

risk of complications like esophageal perforation. During cross-examination of Dwoskin, Dhir’s

counsel asked Dwoskin whether he agreed with a 2005 medical article that stated: “In the patient

with a normal-appearing esophagus without evidence of [EoE], the American Gastroenterology

Association practice guidelines suggest empiric dilation of the esophagus.” Dwoskin disagreed

and noted that was not the standard in 2006 or afterward.

       Dhir’s expert witness, Dr. Ginsburg, testified that empiric dilation was only not

recommended post-2006 because at that time it was difficult to recognize EoE. However, it had

already been determined by 2005 that Wilson did not have EoE. Therefore, Dr. Ginsburg opined

that any increased risk that might affect the recommendation of the guidelines generally would

not have pertained to Wilson. On cross-examination, Wilson’s counsel quoted to Ginsburg a

passage from the 2006 guidelines of the ASGE that reads:

                                               11
       Although some endoscopists suggest that large-bore dilators be passed
       empirically if the endoscopy has normal results, results from two of three studies
       have shown that empiric dilation does not improve dysphagia scores. Thus,
       because of the potential risk of perforation with use of large-bore dilators,
       particularly in patients with unrecognized eosinophilic esophagitis, empiric
       dilation cannot be routinely recommended if no structural abnormalities are seen
       at endoscope.

Wilson’s counsel asked Ginsburg whether he agreed with it, and he answered equivocally.

Ginsburg testified essentially that although many empiric esophageal dilations performed in the

referenced studies were not effective at relieving the patients’ symptoms, “[t]here were definitely

people in the articles that got a response.” He also testified that a physician may not choose to

empirically dilate some patients, due to their individual circumstances or due to unknowns, but

might choose to empirically dilate a patient who has “had a known esophageal stricture” or has

“had a known recurrence of the esophageal stricture and is now again having trouble swallowing,

then I don’t know that that—that those group studies apply to an individual patient.”

       After Wilson’s cross-examination, and over Wilson’s objection, Dhir’s counsel was

allowed to redirect using a different portion of the ASGE guidelines which did not state that

empiric dilation was contraindicated.

       Wilson’s third point on appeal argues that the trial court abused its discretion in refusing

another offered withdrawal instruction in which the subject matter related to instructing the jury

that the medical condition of EoE and any discussion of it were withdrawn from the case. And,

in the fourth and fifth points on appeal, Wilson argues that the trial court erred in permitting

Dr. Ginsburg, in his redirect testimony, to “comment on the summary portion [of the ASGE

guidelines] transform[ing] his testimony into ‘evidence.’”

       While we agree that treatises and authoritative texts are hearsay and generally not

admissible as substantive evidence, Kelly v. St. Luke’s Hosp. of Kansas City, 826 S.W.2d 391,

                                                12
396 (Mo. App. W.D. 1992), Wilson’s arguments are hardly convincing when it was Wilson who

initiated reading from the ASGE guidelines in the first instance—during cross-examination of

Dr. Ginsburg. Thus, had it not been for Wilson’s quotation from the ASGE guidelines—which

included a discussion of EoE—there would have been no necessity to explain the context of the

guideline statement relating to EoE via further testimony from Dr. Ginsburg about the ASGE

guidelines.   The purpose of Dr. Ginsburg’s reference to another section from the same

authoritative text was for the purpose of bringing context to the isolated excerpt that Wilson’s

counsel had referenced in earlier questioning.

       As the trial court noted below, it would be unfair to allow Wilson’s counsel to pull one

statement out of a document, ask Ginsburg whether he agreed with it, but then not allow Dhir’s

counsel to qualify his response, pointing out that the recommendation of the guidelines was

“because of” a potential risk caused by a particular condition that everyone knew that Wilson did

not have. See Stewart v. Sioux City & New Orleans Barge Lines, Inc., 431 S.W.2d 205, 211-12

(Mo. 1968) (rule of completeness allows other relevant parts of a statement or writing so that the

part previously offered is not taken out of context).

       The trial court did not abuse its discretion in permitting Dr. Ginsburg’s redirect testimony

concerning the ASGE guidelines relating to the significance of an EoE diagnosis, or lack thereof,

where it was Wilson, not Dhir, that had introduced the relevance of the topic of EoE in the first

instance. Likewise, it was not an abuse of discretion for the trial court to refuse Wilson’s

proffered withdrawal instruction on the topic.

       Points III, IV, and V are denied.

                                                 13
                                            Juror Strikes for Cause

         Wilson’s sixth and seventh points on appeal are that the trial court abused its discretion in

denying her motions to strike, for cause, two venirepersons (venireperson A and B)4 during jury

selection.

         A party has a right to have twelve fair and impartial jurors decide her case. Fleshner v.

Pepose Vision Institute, P.C., 304 S.W.3d 81, 87 (Mo. banc 2010). “Each juror must enter the

jury box disinterested and with an open mind, free from bias or prejudice.”                            Id. (internal

quotation omitted). But, the impartiality of jury venirepersons is not to be judged in a vacuum

and, instead, must be judged in the context of the entirety of each venireperson’s responses to

voir dire questioning.        “[M]ere equivocation is not enough to disqualify a juror.”                       Joy v.

Morrison, 254 S.W.3d 885, 890 (Mo. banc 2008).                        If the juror later offers “unequivocal

assurances of impartiality,” he should be considered rehabilitated and should not be disqualified

from the panel. State v. Grondman, 190 S.W.3d 496, 498 (Mo. App. W.D. 2006). Here, that is

precisely what happened.

         Venireperson A initially responded to voir dire questioning with equivocal responses

about his impartiality, admitting that he sometimes believed that personal injury lawsuits created

a “circus” atmosphere of people “trying to get an extra piece of the pie.” However, he later

stated that he would be “neutral,” and he unequivocally stated that he “could be fair and listen to

the evidence and follow the instructions” and that he would “make a decision based upon the

evidence.” Given these “unequivocal assurances of impartiality” and the ability of the trial court

to personally observe the credibility of venireperson A when the statements were made, we

         4
           In order to protect the identities of these venirepersons who fulfilled their jury service obligation to the
State but may not wish to have their identities published in the Southwestern Reporters, we will refer to the subject
of Point VI as venireperson A and Point VII as venireperson B.

                                                          14
cannot conclude that the trial court abused his discretion in denying the motion to strike

venireperson A for cause.

       Similarly, venireperson B initially indicated a belief that there were too many lawsuits

filed, particularly against physicians. But, he later stated that he would listen to the evidence

presented and make a decision based upon that evidence. Specifically, the following colloquy

took place between Dhir’s counsel and venireperson B:

       Defense Counsel: But as you sit here, Mr. [venireperson B], and you’ve listened
       to all the voir dire and you have heard what we’re really just trying do, we know
       that everyone has things that have happened in their past. We have family
       members that have done things we may like or not like, but do you think you
       could be fair and impartial and listen to the evidence and be a juror that would be
       fair to Ms. Wilson and Dr. Dhir?

       Venire[person B]: Yes.

Given this unequivocal response that the trial court was able to observe to judge the credibility

thereof, we again cannot conclude that the trial court abused its discretion in denying the motion

to strike venireperson B for cause.

       Points VI and VII are denied.

                                           Conclusion

       For all of the above-stated reasons, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

                                              Mark D. Pfeiffer, Judge

Alok Ahuja, Chief Judge, and J. Dale Youngs, Special Judge, concur.

                                                15