Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Alan Gadde, who had a history of hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver, received care from hepatologist Fred Gordon. An MRI revealed the presence of a liver lesion, and Gadde underwent a follow-up MRI. The following year, another MRI showed that Gadde’s lesion had grown slightly. Although a radiologist allegedly recommended a repeat MRI, Gordon allegedly ordered an ultrasound for six months later. After the ultrasound, which did not show the lesion, Gordon allegedly told Gadde that everything looked good.

The following year, Gadde was diagnosed as having metastatic liver cancer, which led to his death a year later at age 65.

Suit against Gordon alleged that he had failed to order a timely MRI as recommended by the radiologist and required by the standard of care. Had Gadde been diagnosed earlier, suit alleged, he would have survived.

The jury awarded $2.75 million. Interest increased the judgment to approximately $4.95 million.

Citation: Gadde v. Gordon, Confidential Dkt. No. (Mass. Super. Ct. Middlesex Cnty. Undisclosed Date).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Robert Higgins, Boston.