Lauderdale County Jury Awards $7 Million in Medical Negligence Case Against Radiologist

A Lauderdale County jury has awarded $7 million to local dentist Sunitha Madasu in a medical negligence case against radiologist Donald J. Bowling, M.D. and Lauderdale Radiology Group, L.L.P. The verdict, returned on September 24, 2025 after a 10-day trial, represents one of the significant medical malpractice awards in recent Alabama history and underscores critical patient safety concerns in diagnostic radiology.

The case centered on events beginning when Madasu, a 46-year-old dentist who had practiced in Lauderdale County for over two decades, visited the Emergency Department at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital experiencing severe headache, nausea and vomiting. Following a physical examination, the emergency room physician ordered a CT scan of her head, which was interpreted by Dr. Bowling, who the jury found was working as an agent of Lauderdale Radiology.

Medical evidence presented at trial showed that Dr. Bowling reported the CT study as "Normal" despite the presence of a bright spot indicating an acute blood clot visible on twenty consecutive slices of the imaging. This finding, described by medical experts as the telltale sign of a cerebral blood clot, went unreported and unmentioned in Dr. Bowling's interpretation. Relying on this report, the emergency room physician discharged Madasu from the hospital.

Three days later, Madasu developed a massive brain bleed that resulted in lifelong, debilitating injuries. At trial, the defendants and their experts conceded that the bright spot seen on Madasu's CT scan probably was a clot and acknowledged that if the finding had been reported, a simple follow-up test would have confirmed the diagnosis. Testimony established that a reasonably careful diagnostic radiologist would have identified the abnormality, communicated concern for an acute blood clot, and recommended additional evaluation.

The case was tried by MARSH | RICKARD | BRYAN attorneys Ty Brown and J.D. Marsh, with local attorney Kerrian Jaudon providing additional counsel. Brown stated that "with their verdict, the jury enforced basic standards of safe medical care, defended Sunitha's dignity, and held the Defendants responsible for the independence, mobility, and professional career they took from her." Marsh added that he was "thankful for the 12 members of the jury who listened to the evidence, followed the law, and spoke the truth."

This verdict carries significant implications for medical practice standards, particularly in diagnostic radiology where accurate interpretation can mean the difference between complete recovery and permanent disability. The case highlights the critical importance of thorough image analysis and proper communication of findings between radiologists and treating physicians. For patients, the outcome serves as a reminder of the profound consequences that can result from diagnostic errors and the legal recourse available when medical standards are not met.

The substantial award reflects the jury's assessment of the life-altering impact of Madasu's injuries, which included the loss of her professional dental career and permanent physical limitations. Medical experts testified that had the blood clot been properly identified and reported, Madasu would have received appropriate medication and made a full, uneventful recovery, making the outcome particularly tragic given its preventability.