Susanne R. Hobba v. Amsco Service, et al.
Published: Jan. 25, 1997 | Result Date: Nov. 27, 1996 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: MC003269 Verdict – $2,565,420
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central West
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Robert K. Lawrence
(medical)
Gerald F. Zamiski Ph.D.
(technical)
Andrew Kochan
(medical)
Stephanie R. Rizzardi-Pearson
(technical)
Ian L. Morrison
(technical)
Defendant
Kirk Odian
(technical)
Roger S. Sohn
(medical)
Lawrence Kasher
(technical)
Samuel R. Miller
(technical)
Facts
On July 26, 1991, plaintiff Susanne K. Hobba, a 39-year-old registered operating nurse, was assisting in a D&C surgical procedure when defendant Amsco Service's surgical table's leg section collapsed. The plaintiff and another nurse grabbed the patient, preventing the patient from falling off the surgical table. The plaintiff claimed that she injured her back in attempting to prevent the patient from falling off the surgical table. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendants based on defective manufacture and design, negligent manufacture, negligent inspection and negligent repair theories of recovery.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a settlement demand of $750,000 at the mandatory settlement conference, increased to $800,000 after the first day of trial. After the third day of trial, the plaintiff withdrew demand. The defendant made a settlement offer of $175,000 at the mandatory settlement conference, increased to $250,000 after the first day of trial, and then $350,000 while the jury was deliberating.
Specials in Evidence
$70,000 (paid by compensation carrier) $208,000 $910,000 $700,000
Injuries
The plaintiff alleged she suffered a soft-tissue injury to the thoracic and lumbar area of the back resulting in degeneration of the thoracic joints and facets at T10-11-12.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately four years and four months after the case was filed. The defendant's motion for new trial is pending.
Deliberation
12 hours
Poll
12-0
Length
22 days
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