On Thursday, the Georgia Court of Appeals heard oral arguments appealing an $8.5 million damages award in a medical-malpractice suit. The judges would be tasked with deciding whether the sum could stand on an inconsistent jury trial verdict.

Sarah Akinosho of Huff Powell & Bailey argued on behalf of the defendant-appellants, Preferred Women’s Healthcare LLC. Former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes and Mark Meliski of the Barnes Law Group argued on behalf of the plaintiff-appellee, suing on behalf of a deceased patient, Debbie Sain. The arguments were heard by Presiding Judge Sara Doyle, Judge Elizabeth Gobeil and Judge Herbert Phipps.