Skamangas

I.

BACKGROUND

Peter suffered a type of heart attack known as a right ventricular infarction (RVI), and he died after being treated by Dr. Lai at ValleyCare Medical Center. After his death, Alison brought this action for medical malpractice. Alison’s case against Dr. Lai was tried before a jury, and several proceedings and rulings occurred during the trial that are relevant to the issues raised on appeal. First, competing expert testimony was presented on whether Dr. Lai’s care for Peter was negligent. Richard Terry, M.D., testified on behalf of Dr. Lai, while Jay Schapira, M.D., and James Leo, M.D., testified on behalf of Alison. Second, counsel for Dr. Lai made comments and posed questions during the trial that Alison contends were inappropriate. Third, evidence was introduced in connection with Alison’s alleged damages about Peter’s vested and nonvested stock options. And, finally, the trial court discussed the timing of closing arguments and deliberations with the jury after the close of the evidence. The jury found in favor of Dr. Lai.

II.

DISCUSSION

A. Prior Orders Establish the Adequacy of the Trial Transcript. Alison preliminarily argues that the trial transcript…