Virginia’s Go To Lawyers – Medical Malpractice: Kathleen M. McCauley

Kathleen M. McCauley
Shareholder, Moran Reeves Conn
Richmond

Education:

JD, Dickinson School of Law, Pennsylvania State University
BA, College of William & Mary

Best known for:

Defense of physicians of all specialties and other health care providers in medical malpractice litigation and at trial. Defense of hospitals, health care systems, and providers in the community and academic medicine setting. Defense of practitioners before the health regulatory boards of the Commonwealth of Virginia and entities before the Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Department of Social Services.

Signature case / representation:

Death of a 54-year-old female patient with history of significant vascular interventions underwent a left common femoral endarterectomy to the deep femoral artery and femoral popliteal bypass with PTFE graft. Subsequently, the patient developed a graft infection and was readmitted for repair surgery with the addition of a muscle flap. Intraoperatively, the patient suffered a cardiac arrest and died hours later in the SICU.

Satisfying aspect of practice:

Representing health care providers who devote their lives to excellence and serving others with integrity and compassion.

Working with clients:

Listen. And listen more. Ask a lot of questions before giving advice and find out the client’s goals. As well, attempt to find out what a health care provider client needs from the representation. It may go beyond legal advice and may require you to find support from their peers and employers in order to give the provider the confidence to defend themselves in a healthy and productive way.

Advice:

Surround yourself with colleagues you respect and who bring out the very best in you as a professional. Do not be afraid to ask for help or support.

Outlook:

No radical changes in the coming year, although the practice will remain a busy one as we emerge from the pandemic.