Estate of Lapping v. Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound

In this medical malpractice case, the personal representative of Joyce Lapping’s estate appeals from a jury verdict in favor of Group Health. We reverse in part and affirm in part.

In the fall of 1987, Joyce Lapping was experiencing irregular menstruation. Thus, she sought the advice of her Group Health physician, Dr. Daniel Dugaw.

At that time, Lapping was 48 years old. She had a history of seizures, but had not had one for 9 years. She was taking Dilantin prescribed by Dr. Dugaw, who had been her physician since 1981.

Concerned about cancer, Dr. Dugaw decided to perform an endometrial biopsy.…