Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against MUSC Orangeburg — Strom Law Firm’s Civil Rights Advocate Bakari Sellers Takes Lead
Compassionate Advocacy Meets Legal Resolve
The family of 73-year-old Carolyn Gaffney, who tragically passed away last year, has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit in Orangeburg County Common Pleas Court. The legal action, naming MUSC Orangeburg, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of South Carolina (SPEM), and several attending physicians, alleges gross negligence and reckless medical mismanagement that directly contributed to Mrs. Gaffney’s preventable death.
A Heartbreaking Chain of Medical Failures
Court documents reveal that Mrs. Gaffney, suffering from multiple serious health conditions—including chronic venous thromboembolism, a venous stent, obesity, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease—was not properly monitored during her first hospital visit. Dr. George Bayer ordered diagnostic tests but failed to personally evaluate her, leaving her unattended in the waiting area for hours
Less than 14 hours later, she returned by ambulance in critical condition. Doctors Charles Staples and Robert Baumstark allegedly misdiagnosed her with bronchitis, discharged her, and failed to address her actual life-threatening symptoms. Mrs. Gaffney collapsed at home and subsequently died; an autopsy later confirmed a massive bilateral pulmonary embolism.
Legal Claims and Pursued Damages
The lawsuit seeks damages for wrongful death, survival claims, loss of consortium on behalf of Mrs. Gaffney’s husband, and negligent infliction of emotional distress suffered by her daughter, Vanna Gaffney. Additionally, because the claims involve gross negligence and recklessness, the complaint argues that some damages could be uncapped under South Carolina law.
Strom Law Firm Leads with Purpose
The case is co-counseled by S. Randall Hood of McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC—and notably, Bakari Sellers, the accomplished civil rights attorney from Strom Law Firm. Mr. Sellers’ leadership brings a powerful, compassionate voice to this fight for justice, underscoring the firm’s deep commitment to holding healthcare providers accountable for preventable tragedies
Why This Case Matters—and What It Demonstrates About Strom Law Firm
Championing Justice in Healthcare
The case epitomizes the fallout of medical negligence and reinforces the need for vigilant legal oversight to safeguard patient rights.Expertise at the Intersection of Law & Civil Rights
With Bakari Sellers at the helm, the Strom Law Firm demonstrates its expertise navigating complex litigation with both legal acumen and a profound sense of justice.Empathy & Strategic Litigation
At its core, this case reflects the firm’s dedication not only to legal strategy but also to empathy for clients grappling with emotional trauma and loss.
Local Advocacy: Strom Law Firm’s Orangeburg Attorneys
With deep ties to the Orangeburg community, Strom Law Firm’s Orangeburg attorneys are committed to standing up for families when institutions fail them. Our team is proud to combine local presence with statewide recognition, ensuring that residents of Orangeburg and beyond have access to experienced, compassionate, and determined legal representation.