Defense lawyer: “We’re very, very pleased”

An Oconee jury made quick work of its deliberations. In a case that alleged medical malpractice, the jury ruled in favor of Dr. Frank Rao, the defendant. Rao’s lawyer, Pat Paschal, said of Rao, “He was exonerated of allegations that have been going on for over three years that he has had to live with….The vindication from the jury just means that his exercise in good medicine would not be punished. We are very, very pleased with that,” Pascal told 96.3/WGOG NEWS outside the Oconee Courthouse. The jury was asked to decide whether the thyroid surgery that the doctor performed on patient Cassie Sweenor in 2009 was necessary.