Mistrial Ruled After Arkansas Doctor Accused of Malpractice Treats Juror

An Arkansas medical malpractice lawsuit ended in mistrial in federal court in Jonesboro when the doctor being sued treated an ill juror in the courtroom in front of other jurors.

The Jonesboro Sun reported that the juror became ill during opening statements of the lawsuit against Dr. Stephen Eichert. The juror’s name and condition have not been released.

Eichert is being sued by Cristina Renee Chaffin for allegedly not performing proper tests before operating on Chaffin’s back and failing to tell Chaffin of the risk of surgery.

Chaffin’s attorney asked for the mistrial and Eichert’s attorney agreed.

Chaffin is asking for $75,000 for the costs of two surgeries and follow-up visits and lost wages plus an amount to be determined by a jury for pain, suffering, and mental and emotional anguish.