A Lauderdale County jury returned a $7 million verdict on September 24, 2025, in favor of Sunitha Madasu against Dr. Donald J. Bowling and Lauderdale Radiology Group, LLP, in a medical negligence case. The 10-day trial was tried by Ty Brown and J.D. Marsh of MARSH | RICKARD | BRYAN, with local attorney Kerrian Jaudon providing additional counsel.
Sunitha Madasu, a local dentist who has lived and practiced in Lauderdale County for over two decades, was 46 years old at the time of the events. She experienced severe headache, nausea, and vomiting and went to the Emergency Department at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital. After a physical examination, the ER doctor ordered a CT scan of her head.
Defendant Dr. Bowling, whom the jury found was working as an agent of Lauderdale Radiology, reviewed the CT images of Madasu's brain. Despite the presence of a bright spot—the telltale sign of an acute blood clot seen on twenty consecutive slices of the imaging—Dr. Bowling reported the study as "Normal" and did not describe or mention the area in question. Relying on Dr. Bowling's report, the ER doctor ultimately discharged Madasu from the ER. Three days later, Madasu developed a massive brain bleed, resulting in lifelong, debilitating injuries.
At trial, the defendants and their experts finally admitted that the bright spot in a blood vessel seen on Madasu's head CT probably was a clot, and that if the finding had been reported, a simple follow-up test would have confirmed the diagnosis. Nonetheless, the defendants denied any wrongdoing. The evidence showed that a reasonably careful diagnostic radiologist would have seen the bright spot, communicated concern for an acute blood clot, and recommended a test to further evaluate the finding. Had those things happened, it was undisputed that Madasu would have received medication and would have made a full, uneventful recovery.
Ty Brown said, "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. We are truly grateful for their service." J.D. Marsh added, "It was an honor and a privilege to be able to tell Sunitha's story. I am thankful for the 12 members of the jury who listened to the evidence, followed the law, and spoke the truth."
Marsh, Rickard & Bryan is a premier trial law firm based in Birmingham, Alabama, known for representing individuals and families in complex personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases. With a reputation for courtroom excellence and a commitment to justice, the firm combines deep legal expertise with cutting-edge technology and investigative resources to build compelling cases. Their attorneys have secured numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and are consistently recognized among the top litigators in Alabama.
