$18.3M Verdict in Fatal Heart Attack After Surgery Without Cardiac Clearance

A Georgia state jury has awarded $18.3 million to the family of Ron Yarbrough, a 63-year-old man who died of a heart attack following colorectal surgery in 2019. The Gwinnett County jury found that two medical practices—Cardiovascular Group PC and Colon and Rectal Clinic LLC—were jointly responsible for the fatal outcome due to a breakdown in communication between the treating physicians.

Yarbrough had a history of cardiovascular issues and was under the care of cardiologist Dr. Lance Friedland at Cardiovascular Group. In October 2018, Friedland reviewed a coronary CT scan that revealed extensive plaque buildup and signs of potential arterial narrowing. Yet, according to court documents, Friedland did not properly communicate these findings. Instead of notifying the patient directly or conducting further stress testing, Friedland allegedly left instructions with a nurse to follow up only if the patient exhibited symptoms—a call that was never made.

Six months later, in May 2019, Yarbrough consulted colorectal surgeon Dr. Kota Venkatesh to evaluate a benign mass. Although the surgery was elective, Venkatesh proceeded without securing cardiac clearance. Notably, Venkatesh was aware that Yarbrough was on multiple heart medications and had recently undergone an abnormal EKG.

Just two days after the surgery on June 4, 2019, Yarbrough suffered a heart attack. He was diagnosed with a 95% blockage in the left anterior descending artery, as well as two additional blockages of 90%. He died after 36 days in the hospital on July 12, 2019.

The Allegations

The lawsuit centered on the physicians’ failure to communicate critical cardiac information and obtain necessary pre-surgical clearance. Plaintiff’s counsel, Lloyd Bell, emphasized in court that “Dr. Friedland did not tell Ron the truth about his test results, and Dr. Venkatesh took Ron back into surgery without getting cardiac clearance.” Bell characterized Yarbrough’s death as a “prolonged, slow, painful decline” caused by preventable medical oversight.

In addition to alleging that Friedland failed to act on clear CT findings, Bell noted that the patient received a letter misreporting the scan results as showing “no significant calcification,” which misled Yarbrough into believing he had a clean bill of cardiac health. The letter contradicted actual test data showing serious atherosclerosis.

The suit also pointed out that Yarbrough's wife had contacted the cardiology office about symptoms of chest tightness and shortness of breath just weeks before surgery. According to Bell, the office did not respond with the urgency warranted by the circumstances, nor did Friedland recommend emergency evaluation.

The Trial

At trial, the defense sought to mitigate blame by shifting focus to Yarbrough’s preexisting conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Defense attorney Paul Reynolds, representing Friedland, claimed that the CT results were "expected" given the patient’s profile and dismissed the event as an “unpredictable plaque rupture.” Reynolds argued that “he’s got an unpredictable plaque rupture... Friedland is a cardiologist that knows what he's doing.”

Friedland’s team asserted that Yarbrough was stable and managing his condition well on medications and maintained that the surgery—not Friedland’s oversight—was the proximate cause of the heart attack.

Meanwhile, Venkatesh’s attorney pushed back on the suggestion of negligence, stating her client “takes it very personally that he is being accused of causing harm to his patient.” She maintained that Yarbrough’s vital signs were stable before surgery and emphasized that Friedland’s critique of Venkatesh’s decision was “an opinion formed only with the benefit of hindsight.”

Despite the defenses, the jury found Cardiovascular Group PC and Friedland 70% liable, while assigning 30% of the fault to Colon and Rectal Clinic LLC and Venkatesh. The verdict included $1.7 million for medical expenses, $12 million for pain and suffering, and $4.6 million for wrongful death damages.

The Expert Breakdown

The case turned heavily on expert testimony that dissected Friedland’s interpretation and handling of the 2018 coronary CT scan. According to the plaintiff, the scan results—when properly interpreted—indicated a high likelihood of significant coronary narrowing and warranted follow-up with stress testing or further evaluation. This alleged failure to act formed the basis of the claims of medical negligence.

In addition, the fact that Yarbrough’s EKG showed signs of a past infarct, yet was disregarded by the surgical team, contributed to the jury's conclusion that both medical teams bore responsibility for the fatal chain of events.

The Law Firms Involved

Ron Yarbrough’s family was represented by Bell Law Firm, led by Lloyd Bell, known for handling high-stakes medical malpractice litigation.

Cardiovascular Group PC and Dr. Friedland were defended by Huff Powell & Bailey LLC, with attorney Paul Reynolds presenting the defense.

Colon and Rectal Clinic LLC and Dr. Venkatesh were represented by Heather Miller of McGrew Miller Bomar & Bagley LLC, who argued that her client’s actions fell within the bounds of reasonable surgical care.

What’s Next?

The verdict underscores the legal and clinical expectations placed on coordinated care, especially when elective procedures are involved. With $18.3 million awarded, the outcome may prompt tighter protocols around preoperative cardiac clearance and documentation of diagnostic test interpretations. No comments were immediately available from the parties involved, but given the size of the award, post-trial motions or appeals are likely.

This case serves as a cautionary tale for practices where interdisciplinary coordination is critical. The message from the jury was clear: when preventable medical errors stem from communication breakdowns, the consequences can be costly—for patients and providers alike.