Ricks v. Budge

Ricks (plaintiff) sought urgent treatment for an infected hand from physician partners Drs. S.M. and D.C. Budge (defendants). Both doctors examined him, found the hand worsening, and told him it needed to be opened, sending him straight to the hospital. There, S.M. Budge refused to treat the hand further until Ricks paid an unrelated, older bill. Ricks left and saw a different doctor, who found the condition dire, operated immediately, but ultimately had to amputate Ricks's finger. The trial court ruled for the Budges, and Ricks appealed.