Blake Ex Rel. Adams v. Spartanburg General Hospital

Harwell, Justice:

The primary issue before this Court is whether the trial judge erred in granting respondent Leneace Blake (Blake) a new trial on the grounds that a bailiffs comments may have influenced jury deliberations. We affirm.

I. FACTS

Blake underwent coronary bypass surgery in 1987 at Spartanburg General Hospital. She allegedly was administered an excessive amount of potassium. She experienced cardiac arrest while in the operating room, but was resuscitated. Blake thereafter brought a medical malpractice action, alleging she suffered brain damage as a consequence of the cardiac arrest,…