Laura Aldrich v. San Dimas Community Hospital, et al.
Published: Jun. 20, 1998 | Result Date: Apr. 4, 1998 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: KC023687 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Pomona
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Kent T. Brandmeyer
(Law & Brandmeyer LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
Salvador Brau
(medical)
Eugene R. Sollman
(medical)
Defendant
Leo A. Gordon
(medical)
Timothy Hulbert
(medical)
William A. Frumovitz
(medical)
Facts
On June 23, 1995, plaintiff Laura Aldrich, a 33-year-old social worker, underwent a cesarian section for the birth of her first child. The surgery was performed by defendant, Dr. Steven Alvarez-Mott, an OB/GYN. The plaintiff was discharged home routinely on June 25. On June 27, the plaintiff again presented to the hospital, this time with complaints of fever, severe pain, an elevated white count and an acute, board-like surgical abdomen. She was brought back to surgery, and her appendix was removed laparoscopically. Eventually, the pathology from the appendix tissue was interpreted as negative as the primary etiology of the patient's infection, which had been diagnosed as a generalized peritonitis. Fluid cultured during the laparoscopic appendectomy did grow enterococcus, which originates from the intestinal tract. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendants based on a negligence theory of recovery.
Settlement Discussions
The defendant made offers, no consent.
Specials in Evidence
$3,500
Damages
The plaintiff claimed $100,000 in non-economic damages.
Injuries
The plaintiff claimed she suffered a severe post-operative infection in the form of peritonitis requiring two additional hospitalizations and 10 weeks of IV antibiotics. The plaintiff also claimed she had residual internal scarring and adhesions causing permanent restrictions on some physical activities.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately one year and seven months after the case was filed.
Deliberation
two hours
Poll
10-2
Length
eight days
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