Case bound for the jury

The case alleging medical malpractice against an Oconee surgeon appears on its way this afternoon to the jury room. Defendant Dr. Frank Rao testified this morning in his defense. His testimony was the last of the week-long trial. The lawyers on both sides were making their final arguments. Then, the judge charges the jury on the applicable law in the case. In front of the jury, the lawyers conceded that a big issue for the jury to decide is whether the thyroid surgery on patient Cassie Sweenor in 2009 was necessary—or unnecessary. But each side’s position is opposite the other. The plaintiff’s side, Sweenor’s estate, says the 27-year old woman’s medical, funeral, and related bills amounted to nearly $330 thousand.