Lawsuit against gynecologist results in $28 million verdict

By Daniel Hawn

Published on April 19, 2006

Jeanette Davis, 42, filed the lawsuit against Dr. Robert Bowles, a gynecologist who works with Physician Associates of Florida.

According to the lawsuit, in March 2001 Davis underwent surgery to correct a minor case of incontinence she suffered after giving birth to two children. Davis claims that after Bowles had performed the procedure, she was unable to urinate naturally. She says that she now has to use a catheter twice a day and will continue to do so for the rest of her life.

Bowles' attorney, Richard Womble, responded to the plaintiff's claims by asserting that his client adhered to all appropriate standards of care in treating Davis. He said that Bowles had been monitoring Davis' condition after the surgery; however, Davis eventually stopped coming in for check-ups.

Following closing arguments in the trial, the six-member jury deliberated for two hours before finding in favor of the plaintiff.

The $28 million verdict ranks among the highest in Central Florida history.

Bowles' attorney said the verdict was largely disproportionate to the harm Davis suffered. He said he will petition for another trial and Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson to decrease the size of the award.

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