Lightfoot Secures Summary Judgment in Shelby County Medical Malpractice Case

August 27, 2025

Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC associate Mary Parrish McCracken obtained summary judgment on behalf of a physician in a wrongful death medical malpractice case in Shelby County Circuit Court, with partners Haley A. Cox and John “J.T.” Thompson also serving on the defense team.

The case involved the death of an 87-year-old woman in a nursing home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plaintiff alleged that the physician failed to order labs or fluids, leading to dehydration, shock and ultimately death.

In her motion for summary judgment, McCracken argued that Alabama’s statutory immunity for care rendered during or related to COVID-19 barred the claims. Judge Patrick E. Kennedy agreed and granted summary judgment for the defense.

Lightfoot frequently represents physicians and other healthcare providers in medical malpractice cases, securing dismissals, summary judgments and trial victories.

McCracken is a trial lawyer whose practice includes medical malpractice, white-collar defense and product liability matters. She represents clients ranging from physicians to Fortune 500 companies, and she has achieved favorable results in criminal, civil and regulatory cases.