Roberts v. Williamson
Texas Supreme Court
111 S.W.3d 113 (2003)
- Written by Brian Meadors, JD
Facts
Shortly after Courtnie Williamson (Courtnie) was born, she began suffering medical complications. Due to medical malpractice, Courtnie became permanently disabled and developmentally delayed. Her parents, Lainie and Casey Williamson (plaintiffs) sued Dr. Karen Roberts (defendant), other doctors, and the hospital. The Williamsons settled with the hospital and one doctor; the Williamsons’ claims against Dr. Roberts and another doctor proceeded to trial. The Williamsons prevailed at trial, and Dr. Roberts appealed. The appellate court made several rulings, including that the Williamson parents had a filial loss-of-consortium claim for their lost relationship with their daughter, Courtnie. Dr. Roberts appealed to the state supreme court to determine if the parents’ relationship with their child could be the basis for a filial loss-of-consortium claim.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Phillips, C.J.)
Dissent (Jefferson, J.)
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