Ford v. Chaplin

Clarence Ford appeals an adverse judgment in a medical malpractice suit. Ford contends the trial court erred by permitting ex parte contact between defense counsel and his treating physicians and in giving various jury instructions.

Ford was seriously injured while working as a carpet installer when a roll of carpet fell on the heel of his right foot. He was examined and treated by several doctors over a period of years. Several surgeries were performed. Dr. David Chaplin, an orthopedic surgeon, operated on Ford's foot to explore the area of irritation and removed a bone spur. In follow-up…