MonticelloLive

The jury came back Friday afternoon with a defendant’s verdict clearing Dr. Jeffrey Reinhart of any neglegience in the death of Sondria Nowlin. A Pine Bluff cardiologist, Nelson Alcalmo, received the same not-at-fault verdict.

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The following story posted on June 26, 2008.

Thursday’s court day didn’t come to a close until around 5:30, as the defense spent the day presenting their side of the case.

Dr. Jeffrey Reinhart took the stand Thursday morning, followed by an expert witness from Camden. 

A witness for Dr. Nelson Ancalmo, closed out the afternoon session describing other medical complications that may have had an impact in the medical condition of the deceased.  Other issues around the time frame is question, included low blood pressure, pain, intestinal issues, and weight loss.  Lupus, steroid treatment, and smoking were also mentioned.

The defense witness estimated that she may have a 50/50 chance of surviving the surgery, if it had taken place, but only a 20 % probability of leaving the hospital after completion of the surgery.

His comments, included, “her chance of surviving 30 days or more were very low.”

Topics brought up in his cross-examination regarded the use of beta-blockers, and their possible affect in this case; and if and when he felt the transfer recommendation would have come form Dr. Ancalmo.

It appears that closing arguements will begin Friday morning, with jury deliberations taking place Friday morning, as well.

Up til now, there has been no dollar amount requested, or mentioned by any of the parties.

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The following story posted on June 25, 2008. 

Plantiff Rests in Day 3 of Wrongful Death Suit 

The plaintiff’s attorney rested their case Wednesday afternoon around 4 p.m, in the wrongful death case brought by the estate of Sondria Nowlin, against  Dr. Jeffrey Reinhart, M.D., and a Pine Bluff cardiologist in Drew County Circuit Court.

The defense’s lawyers then asked Judge John Cole (a special judge appointed by Arkansas State Supreme Court Justice Jim Hannah) to rule on their motion for a directed verdict, which was denied.

Monday was spent selecting the jury of 12, along with 2 alternates, with Tuesday and Wednesday being mainly spent hearing the testimony of 2 “expert witnesses”, both of which former doctors or specialists in the cardio-field.  Tuesday’s witness coming from Iowa, while Wednesday’s expert is based in Ohio.

There is a chance that Thursday may bring testimony to a close in the case, with closing arguments and jury deliberation being completed on Friday.

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The following story posted on June 23, 20083 

Jury Seated in Day 1 of Wrongful Death Suit Against Monticello Doctor 

A Drew County Circuit Court jury, along with 2 alternates, was seated with Special Judge John Cole, of Sheridan, presiding over the case.

The 9 women and 5 men selected will hear the claim of a 2005 wrongful death suit, brought by the estate of Sondria Nowlin, against  Dr. Jeffrey Reinhart, M.D., and a Pine Bluff cardiologist.

The case is based around the November 1, 2004 hospitalization of Ms. Nowlin, and whether or not an immediate transfer to Jefferson Regional Medical Center would have been a more appropriate treatment route to follow, in the case of her “possible aortic abdominal aneurysm”, as opposed to monitoring her condition at Drew Memorial, before transferring her.  Ms. Nowlin was pronounced dead upon arrival at JRMC.

The case is expected to last all week, with opening arguements beginning Tuesday morning.