Drummond Woodsum attorneys obtain unanimous defense verdict in medical malpractice trial

June 24, 2026

Mark Franco and James Spizuoco, with critical trial support from Joline Jacques, obtained a unanimous defense verdict last week following an 8-day medical malpractice trial before a jury in Cumberland County Superior Court.

The plaintiff argued that a dental provider, represented by the Drummond Woodsum team, failed to diagnose an infection that allegedly resulted in osteomyelitis in the plaintiff’s jaw and failed to refer the plaintiff to an oral surgeon after three dental appointments in 2019. More than a year after her last appointment with the provider, she was diagnosed with osteomyelitis by an oral surgeon and ultimately underwent removal of a large portion of her jawbone.  She filed suit in Cumberland County in 2023 and at the trial from 6/8-6/17 was seeking more than $1 million in damages.

After more than a week of testimony from the parties, other treating providers, and dental experts, the jury quickly concluded that our client provided reasonable care to his patient and returned its unanimous verdict in his favor.

The decision marked Drummond Woodsum’s third successful verdict in a major malpractice jury trial in the last several years. The firm is proud of its track record of defending the health care providers who work hard to bring vital services to Northern New England.