A jury will not issue a decision in the defamation case former doctor William Husel brought against his ex-employer Mount Carmel Health System and its parent company Trinity Health.
The health companies asked the judge overseeing the case to dismiss it by issuing a directed verdict. Attorneys for the companies stated Husel hadn't proved his case.
Franklin County Judge Stephen McIntosh agreed that Husel didn't present enough evidence to support his case and issued the directed verdict Monday, ending the trial before the case was sent to the jury for deliberation.
Husel was charged with more than a dozen counts of murder and acquitted in a 2022 trial.
Husel claimed public statements the hospital systems made during the investigation into his prescribing habits defamed him and ended his career.
The hospital stood by their statements and stated Husel did give patients doses that were too high. Attorneys pointed out to the jury that Husel himself gave up his medical license, and said
that prosecutors were the ones that filed charges against Husel.
Husel's defense team is evaluating whether or not to appeal.
Adam Ford, Husel's attorney, issued the following statement via email:
鈥淲e are disappointed by the Court鈥檚 decision to remove this case from the jury鈥檚 hands. After weeks of evidence and testimony, the ruling effectively silences the voices of those who came seeking justice.
鈥淭he record contains substantial evidence that deserves to be weighed by a jury - not dismissed by a procedural motion. This is not the outcome that any reasonable person expected, nor is it one that reflects the strength of the evidence presented.
鈥淲e are evaluating all legal options, including appeal. This case has always been about more than one courtroom or one ruling. It is about truth, accountability, and the right of every individual to defend their name against false and damaging accusations. That fight does not end today.鈥�
