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.
Background on the Parties Involved
Bakari Sellers stands out as one of the most influential African Americans in the nation, with a legal career deeply rooted in the fight for civil rights and justice. As an attorney at Strom Law Firm, LLC, based in Columbia, South Carolina, Sellers has built a reputation for his unwavering commitment to representing those whose rights have been violated. His work spans high-profile civil rights and personal injury cases, where he has consistently advocated for accountability and change. Sellers’ dedication to justice is part of a powerful family legacy—his father, Cleveland Sellers, is a renowned civil rights activist whose leadership inspired Bakari’s own path in law and public service. Beyond the courtroom, Sellers is a respected political commentator, using his platform to shed light on issues of race, law, and society. At Strom Law Firm, LLC, Sellers continues to champion the rights of individuals and families across South Carolina, reinforcing the firm’s mission to deliver justice and uphold the values of equality and fairness.
Connection to Education
Education has played a pivotal role in shaping Bakari Sellers’ journey as a civil rights attorney and advocate. A proud graduate of Morehouse College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies, Sellers developed a deep understanding of the historical and social forces that influence law and society. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law, equipping him with the legal expertise to make a meaningful impact. Sellers is frequently invited as a featured speaker at universities and national organizations, where he addresses critical topics such as politics, race, and social justice. His experiences as a young African American elected official in South Carolina have informed his advocacy for education reform and equal opportunity. Recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion, Sellers has recently expanded the services offered by Strom Law Firm, LLC, to include consulting on equity and inclusion—empowering organizations and future leaders to build a more just society. Through his work, Sellers demonstrates how education and advocacy go hand in hand in the pursuit of lasting change.
Political Implications
Bakari Sellers’ political career is marked by groundbreaking achievements and a steadfast commitment to public service. At just 22 years old, he became the youngest African American elected official in the nation when he joined the South Carolina House of Representatives. During his tenure, Sellers focused on advancing education reform, expanding healthcare access, and promoting economic development—issues at the heart of progress in South Carolina. His political journey includes working alongside influential leaders such as Congressman James Clyburn and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, experiences that have shaped his approach to bipartisan collaboration and effective governance. In 2014, Sellers made history as the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, further cementing his role as a leader within the Democratic Party. Today, as a political commentator on CNN, Sellers continues to advocate for civil rights, social justice, and meaningful political change, using his voice to inspire action and foster dialogue on the most pressing issues facing the nation.
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. As the leader of the Strategic Communication and Public Affairs team at Strom Law Firm, Mr. Sellers practices law and provides inclusion consulting, with recently added diversity services to help organizations advance equity and social justice. He represents clients in civil rights, criminal defense, personal injury, and government accountability cases, focusing on police misconduct, wrongful death, and government negligence. Sellers combines strategic litigation, public advocacy, and community engagement to drive real change in America and across the country. He believes every person, regardless of race, class, or circumstance, should have access to justice, and he listens to clients’ stories, builds strong cases, and fights relentlessly to ensure they are heard. His commitment to serving the community defines his success—not just by personal achievement, but by the positive change he helps create. Sellers also recognizes the challenges of who can afford to serve in public roles, noting that low pay and structural barriers often limit participation in public service. As a person and leader in the legal and civil rights fields, his work reflects the values and identity of both the Low Country and the broader American experience. The public affairs team is integral to the firm’s strategic communication and advocacy efforts.
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.
Bakari Sellers is widely recognized for his commitment to community service, working with nonprofit organizations to expand access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. He continues his national advocacy through partnerships with organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. As a prominent political commentator on CNN, Sellers discusses issues of race, law, and public policy, highlighting the critical role of media in shaping public perception and amplifying voices for social justice.
Sellers emphasizes the importance of empathy, engagement, and hope for the future, drawing inspiration from his children and aspirations for future generations. He encourages others to expect growth, allow for making mistakes, and recognize the value of rest and forgiveness in the pursuit of justice. Sellers believes true leadership begins with service and is deeply engaged in community initiatives, frequently speaking at universities and conferences to inspire others to pursue justice and equality. He advocates for building relationships in politics to effect meaningful change.
Recognized as one of the nation’s top young leaders, Sellers argues that every ounce of political change in the U.S. has been due to the sacrifices made by Black individuals, and he stresses the need for grace and forgiveness in political discourse. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller My Vanishing Country, a memoir chronicling the lives of African-American working-class people in the rural South, and the children’s book Who Are Your People?, which celebrates identity and resilience. His book The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Was, That Is, and That Is to Come examines the ongoing race reckoning, the impact of violence and significant incidents like the Orangeburg and Charleston massacres, and the continued fight for equality in America.
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.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Bakari Sellers’ story is one of resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to justice. As a civil rights activist, attorney at Strom Law Firm, LLC, and political commentator, Sellers has dedicated his career to fighting for freedom, equality, and the protection of lives across South Carolina and beyond. His legacy is built on a foundation of advocacy for marginalized communities, a passion for education, and a vision for a more inclusive society. Looking ahead, Sellers remains focused on advancing civil rights, promoting diversity and inclusion, and empowering future generations through education and public service. The work of Strom Law Firm, LLC, under Sellers’ guidance, continues to set a standard for legal excellence and compassionate representation. As the fight for justice endures, Bakari Sellers’ influence will inspire others to stand up, speak out, and make a lasting difference in the world.