Semenza v. Nevada Medical Liability Insurance

OPINION

Georgette McNally sued Alan J. Mishler, M.D., claiming medical malpractice. At the time, Mishler’s professional negligence insurer was the Nevada Medical Liability Insurance Company (“NMLIC”). NMLIC retained attorney Lawrence J. Semenza to represent Dr. Mishler in the malpractice action.

At trial, over several Semenza objections, McNally introduced a damaging hospital memorandum into evidence. The memorandum, which came to be known as the “dog letter,” contained an emotional statement of opinion as to Dr. Mishler’s capabilities and character. The “dog letter” undoubtedly contributed to…