NORWALK, Ohio - A judge declared a mistrial in a medical negligence case against a physician after the doctor came to the aid of a juror who passed out during opening statements.
The defendant, Dr. Joseph Carver, told the 74-year-old juror Wednesday that it appeared he had a heart flutter that momentarily prevented oxygen from getting to his brain and caused the blackout. The juror was taken to a hospital for tests.
No new trial date has been set.
Carver, an obstetrician and gynecologist, is being sued for $3 million by a couple who say their newborn daughter was dropped on the floor of a delivery room in 2000 while under Carver's care.
They say the baby's fall caused speech problems, seizures and other permanent neurological injuries.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.