POPE TRIAL LAW SECURES $6.25 MILLION VERDICT IN BIRTH INJURY CASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlanta, Georgia – February 2026

Pope Trial Law has secured a $6.25 million verdict on behalf of Miguel Hornsby, a 10-year-old boy who lost most of the use of his left arm and hand at birth after four of the five brachial plexus nerves were torn from his spinal cord.

Miguel’s mother, Misty Hornsby, was admitted to the hospital after her water broke and presented with multiple risk factors for shoulder dystocia, a delivery complication in which the baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pubic bone. In such cases, the brachial plexus nerves are especially vulnerable to injury. As a result of the complication, Miguel suffered a permanent injury that has left him with little use of his left arm and no meaningful use of his left hand and fingers.

At trial, the legal team argued that Deborah Haynes, M.D., who admitted Misty and was responsible for her care until shortly before delivery, was negligent in failing to offer a C-section to reduce the risk of shoulder dystocia.

The defense contended that guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists required an estimated fetal weight of at least 4500 grams before recommending a C-section. However, Dr. Haynes acknowledged that the standard of care required a discussion of the risks and benefits of a C-section whenever macrosomia is suspected, even if the estimated fetal weight is below 4500 grams. It was undisputed that this conversation never occurred. The birth jury ultimately concluded that the standard of care
required that discussion.

The case was tried in the State Court of Fulton County before Judge Jane Morrison.

Lead counsel Geoff Pope, along with Pope Trial Law attorney Saira Draper, Kris Alderman of The Summerville Firm, and Chris Gunnels of Gunnels Injury Law, represented the Hornsby family.

“No family should leave the delivery room with a child facing a lifetime of disability when it could have been prevented,” said Geoff Pope. “The evidence showed that offering a C-section was the safer course, and the jury agreed. While no verdict can restore full use of Miguel’s arm and hand, this decision helps provide resources for the care, therapy, and support he will need throughout his life. We are grateful to the jurors for their careful attention and deliberation.”

“We used the first trial as a sounding board,” Pope said. “It was truly a team effort. Saira Draper handled the family witnesses with great care. Kris Alderman skillfully cross-examined a key defense expert and addressed legal issues as embedded appellate counsel. Chris Gunnels provided tremendous insight into juror analysis and trial strategy. Our paralegals, Kenya Cantrell and Luis Miranda, were invaluable in managing the extensive
preparation required for a case of this magnitude.”

The verdict will help ensure that Miguel has access to the lifelong care and support his
injuries require.

About Pope Trial Law

Pope Trial Law is an Atlanta-based litigation firm representing individuals and families in
complex personal injury and medical malpractice cases. The firm is dedicated to holding
healthcare providers and corporations accountable when preventable harm occurs.

Media Contact:

Geoff Pope
Pope Trial Law
404-885-9999
gpope@popetriallaw.com
www.popetriallaw.com