Small v. Gifford Memorial Hospital

This is a malpractice case. By the time this case went to the jury, the plaintiffs had discontinued against all parties except the defendant anesthesiologist. The operation involved elective surgery on the part of the plaintiff, Genevieve Small, to remove pendulous breasts which, because of their size and weight, were causing her severe discomfort and affecting her posture.

The operation itself was without incident, but for two or three days before discharge, Mrs. Small had a slight fever and felt nauseous. Six or seven days after the April operation, she felt better, but weak, and went home.…