Lightfoot Secures Defense Verdict for Surgeon and Medical Practice in Wrongful Death Trial

September 24, 2026

Lightfoot, Franklin & White partners John G. Thompson, and Christopher C. Yearout and associate Wesley Smithart secured a complete defense verdict in a wrongful death lawsuit against a general surgeon and his medical practice in Alabama circuit court. 

The plaintiff, representing the estate of a deceased patient, alleged that the surgeon and his practice were negligent in diagnosing and treating a surgical complication and in the patient's postoperative care. The plaintiff claimed this negligence contributed to the patient's death, and sought $3 to $5 million in damages. After a multi-day trial, the jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning a verdict for the defense on all claims. 

In addition to the attorneys, the Lightfoot trial team also included the firm’s director of litigation technology, Sam McAllister, and senior paralegal Janet Mitchell.

Thompson represents clients in several industries involving a broad array of cases. He regularly defends doctors in medical malpractice matters and manufacturers in product liability cases.

Yearout defends clients in a broad range of matters, including medical malpractice, product liability, automotive, healthcare, commercial disputes and toxic torts.

Smithart’s defense litigation practice focuses on product liability, medical malpractice, white-collar enforcement and personal injury matters.