Most Medical Verdict: Man Wins $27M Verdict After Clinic Mistakes Meningitis for the Flu
Joseph Dudley and his wife, of Iowa, won a $27 million verdict against UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine in Des Moines after Dudley was severely misdiagnosed by the facility, according to an article from Fox News. After experiencing “dizziness, delusions, a headache, high fever and a cough,” Dudley was diagnosed with the flu even though tests came back negative for the virus. He was actually suffering from bacterial meningitis, experienced a stroke and said he now has permanent injuries.
Most Deadly Verdict: Iraqi Immigrant Guilty of Murdering Ex-wife in Possible 'Honor Killing'
Yasir Darraji was found guilty of killing his ex-wife, Ibtihal Darraji, after she was found strangled in her burning car, according to an article from KHQ, an NBC affiliate. The couple initially fled from Iraq to Spokane ahead of their divorce, which was finalized in 2017. The couple’s translator speculated the act was an “honor killing” related to Middle Eastern culture.
Most Fraudulent Verdict: Holmes Found Guilty for Defrauding Investors, Acquitted on Patient Fraud Charges
Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes was sentenced to more than 11 years’ prison time after being found guilty of defrauding investors, according to an article from TechCrunch. In 2003, Holmes said she had planned to revolutionize healthcare with a faster, easier way to conduct blood tests. However, it was not until after her company hit a $10 billion valuation that closer scrutiny showed the tech did not actually work. Holmes did avoid additional prison time after she was acquitted of additional charges related to defrauding patients.
Most Circumstantial Verdict: Judge Says 'Very Strong Circumstantial Case’ Not Enough for Guilty Verdict
Ruben Roman was acquitted on gun charges connected to a 2021 Chicago shooting that ultimately led to the death of 13-year-old Adam Toledo, according to an article from the Chicago Sun-Times. Judge Charles Burns said there was a strong circumstantial case against Roman, but there was too much doubt about who fired the shots that ultimately led to the police chase that ended with Toledo’s death to render a guilty verdict. Roman was charged with aggravated use of a weapon and reckless discharge of a firearm.
Most International Verdict: Dutch Court Finds Two Russians, Ukrainian Separatist Guilty for MH17 Jet Downing
A Dutch court convicted Leonid Kharchenko, a Ukrainian separatist, and Russians Igor Girkin and Sergey Dubinskiy for the murder of the 298 people who died in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, according to an article from ABC News. None of the three men found guilty of the murders had attended the trial. However, notes the article, Russian Oleg Pulatov, who was represented by defense lawyers, was acquitted due to lack of evidence against him.