Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Gene Robert Staley had a history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and took several medications for his condition. After he developed bradycardia and fainted, he was taken to Randolph Hospital, where he was placed on an external pacer while he awaited transport to another facility for insertion of an implantable pacemaker.

A radiology technician came to take Staley for a chest X-ray and removed the pacer, despite an admonition from Staley’s daughter that she thought he needed to remain on the pacer. Staley lost consciousness in the X-ray suite and suffered cardiac arrest. He died later that night and is survived by his wife and three adult daughters. He had been a furniture designer and builder earning $19 per hour.

Staley’s estate sued Randolph Hospital Inc., alleging negligence. The defense argued that the radiology tech did not cause Staley’s death.

The jury awarded $1.75 million.

Citation: Staley v. Randolph Hosp., No. 19CvS1189 (N.C. Super. Ct. Randolph Cnty. Mar. 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Phyllis Lile-King, Greensboro, N.C.; and AAJ member Anthony Russell, Roanoke, Va.