Lawsuits settled within weeks of trial

A pair of lawsuits naming an Oconee County doctor and others has been settled—within two weeks of their date for trial. As a result, the cases alleging medical malpractice and wrongful death have been removed from atop the docket for an August 4 term of the Oconee Common Pleas Court. The lawsuit against Dr. Frank Rao, two nurses, and the Oconee hospital was filed in 2009 for Dallas, Texas area resident David Krozier, as personal representative of the late Whitney Ann Krozier.  According to the Oconee County court roster, the case been settled, but awaits a hearing to make the settlement part of the official record.  Eleven months ago, a jury found in favor of Rao, as he defended himself in a separate case alleging malpractice.