Professional Negligence Law Reporter

James Griswold, who weighed approximately 340 pounds, went to Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists, P.C., to undergo a nuclear stress test and other radiological imaging. When a radiological technologist allegedly told Griswold to get onto an imaging table, Griswold expressed concern as to whether the table could support his weight. He was told that it would and that it had held even heavier people in the past.

When Griswold got on the table, it made a loud popping noise. The head of the table then fell to the floor with sudden force, causing Griswold to suffer injuries to his back, neck, and spine. He required placement and removal of orthopedic hardware around his spine and experienced serious complications, including septic emboli, which led to a stroke and other problems.

Griswold and his wife sued Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists, P.C., alleging professional negligence and loss of consortium. The plaintiffs asserted that the defendant didn’t know or check the table’s weight-bearing capacity, failed to ensure that Griswold’s weight did not exceed this capacity, and failed to heed the manufacturer’s warnings.

The jury awarded the plaintiffs $9 million, including $2 million to Griswold’s wife for loss of consortium. The defendant has appealed.

Citation: Griswold v. Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists, P.C., No. UWY-CV-16-6032204-S (Conn. Super. Ct. Jud. Dist. of Waterbury June 6, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Joaquin Madry and Nicole Coates, both of Stamford, Conn.