Historic Million-Dollar Verdict in Medical Malpractice Case
In a landmark medical malpractice trial that made local legal history, attorney Mike Richardson secured the first-ever million-dollar judgment in a medical malpractice case in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The case—Vick Speed v. Memorial Hospital and Dr. Charles Hughes—was a powerful example of how medical negligence can cause severe, preventable harm, even to those who understand the law themselves.
Background
The plaintiff, Vick Speed, was not only a patient but also a respected Chattanooga attorney who had been admitted to Memorial Hospital due to neurological symptoms that had not yet been diagnosed. While under medical supervision, Speed experienced a grand mal seizure, a serious medical emergency requiring immediate, informed care.
However, instead of responding with appropriate neurological treatment or protection, medical staff, under the supervision of Dr. Charles Hughes, chose to restrain Mr. Speed in his hospital bed using wrist restraints during the seizure. This act not only violated accepted medical protocols but resulted in serious physical injury, compounding his already fragile condition.
Mike Richardson took on the case, recognizing not just the physical injuries suffered by Mr. Speed but the broader implications of how hospitals and physicians are expected to handle patients in neurological crisis. The decision to restrain someone experiencing a seizure is widely regarded in the medical community as inappropriate and dangerous—particularly when a diagnosis had not yet been confirmed or properly evaluated.
The Trial
Bringing the case to trial required deep knowledge of both legal and medical standards, and Richardson built a case that clearly demonstrated the negligence involved. Through expert medical testimony and a compelling presentation of facts, he showed that the defendants failed in their duty of care, violated medical standards, and caused long-term harm to the patient.
The defense attempted to minimize the situation, asserting the restraints were necessary for patient safety. Richardson countered with clear evidence that the decision to restrain not only exacerbated the medical emergency but ignored basic neurological care protocols.
Historic Outcome
The jury sided with Mike Richardson and his client, awarding a million-dollar judgment—the first of its kind in a Chattanooga medical malpractice case. The verdict was more than a financial award; it was a recognition of the serious breach of professional responsibility and a step forward in setting higher standards for medical care in Tennessee.
Impact and Legacy
This case marked a turning point in Chattanooga’s legal landscape, opening the door for future medical malpractice plaintiffs and highlighting the importance of patient rights, even within established medical institutions.
Mike Richardson’s victory not only helped secure justice for his client but also set a new precedent for accountability in the region. It proved that even hospitals and respected physicians are not immune to scrutiny when their actions cause harm.
“This case wasn’t just about one injury—it was about ensuring no one else suffers needlessly because of careless, outdated medical practices. We demanded accountability, and we got it,” said Mike Richardson.