The Jury returned a verdict September 1, 2004, in open court in favor of Hancock County, Mississippi residents, Charles and Carmen Connetti in the amount of 1.8 million dollars. Attorneys John D. Giddens and Philip Thomas, both from Jackson, Mississippi, presented the case on behalf of the Connettis.

The Connettis' filed suit for medical malpractice against Dr. Michael J. Diaz and SMB Radiology, P.A., Dr. Michael Lowry and Lowry Neurological Clinic, P.A. for medical treatment which resulted in brain surgery on the wrong patient, Mr. Connetti. Mr. Connetti entered Memorial Hospital Gulfport for high blood pressure in July of 2000. While there, Mr. Connetti's MRI films were switched with those of another patient, who had a 4.5 cm tumor in his left parietal occipital lobe and an erroneous radiology report was issued. Based on this report, Mr. Connetti underwent unnecessary brain surgery, including multiple biopsies which removed portions of his brain.

The evidence presented by the Plaintiffs indicated that the incurred and future medical costs combined totaled over 1 million dollars. The 1.8 million dollar verdict was rendered by the jury on the same day that new Tort Reform caps on emotional damages went into effect.