Christopher Antonio Fazio

This decision concerns a medical negligence action brought by the family and estate of Kevin John McMullan against several physicians and a hospital, following Mr. McMullan’s sudden death from an aortic dissection.

The plaintiffs alleged that Dr. Naom and Dr. El Jaoudi breached the standard of care in their treatment of Mr. McMullan and that these breaches caused or contributed to his death.

The court found that both physicians met the standard of care in all respects, including the interpretation of diagnostic tests, management of hypertension, and discharge instructions.

The court also found that, even if there had been a breach, the plaintiffs failed to prove causation: the evidence established that Mr. McMullan’s aorta was normal for his age and body size, and that he would not have been referred for surgery or prevented from suffering the fatal dissection.

The action was dismissed in its entirety.