Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Juan Molina, 58, underwent an elective ventriculogram performed by invasive cardiologist Subodh Agrawal. During the procedure, Agrawal allegedly perforated Molina’s left ventricular wall after inserting a multipurpose catheter into the ventricular wall and injecting radiocontrast into the heart. Despite this, the physician continued with the procedure.

After being moved to recovery, Molina complained of chest pain. He was taken to exploratory surgery, where one liter of blood was evacuated from his pericardium. His blood pressure continued to decline, and he later died. He had been retired and is survived by his father, brother, and former spouse.

Molina’s brother, on behalf of his estate, filed suit against Agrawal and Athens Heart Center, P.C., for his wrongful death. The plaintiff asserted that Agrawal had failed to recognize the severity of the perforation and take corrective action.

The jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for approximately $4.36 million.

Citation: Molina v. Athens Heart Ctr., P.C., No. ST 19CV0336 (Ga. St. Ct. Athens-Clarke Cnty. Feb. 9, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Stephen Lowry and Caitlyn Clark, both of Savannah, Ga.; and AAJ member James E. Carter, Madison, Ga.