Gloria Ludwick v. K. Richard Valantine, D.D.S.
Published: Dec. 24, 1994 | Result Date: Dec. 2, 1994 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 64408 – $43,300
Judge
Court
Riverside Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Steven M. Maslauski
(Prindle, Goetz, Barnes & Reinholtz LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
Marc Salamone
(medical)
Richard A. Bullock
(medical)
Defendant
Ronald Evasic
(medical)
Facts
Plaintiff Gloria Ludwick, a 66-year-old retiree, was treated by Defendant K. Richard Valantine, D.D.S., a general dentist in implantology, from May 15, 1989 through May 8, 1990. Dr. Valantine placed subperiosteal implants in both the Plaintiff's upper and lower jaw. Chronic infections developed, and the Plaintiff sought a second opinion from Dr. Marc Salomone on September 24, 1990. Both Dr. Salomone and Dr. Richard Bullock, a prosthodontist to whom the Plaintiff was referred, testified that the implants failed and required removal. Dr. Salomone surgically removed the implants in December 1991. As a result of the severe and continuous infections, Mrs. Ludwick suffered a destruction of the posterior segments of both the upper and lower jaw from the subperiosteal implants. Titanium root form implants were placed, but the Plaintiff has continued to have difficulty due to compromise which was allegedly caused by the initial implants and their failure.
Settlement Discussions
Defendant contends he offered $85,000 partially structured and Plaintiff made a 998 demand in the amount of $170,000 and indicated that she would not accept less than $150,000.
Specials in Evidence
$13,300 $25,000
Injuries
Extraction of both the upper and lower implant; pain and suffering; permanent bone loss; recurrent infections; nausea and generalized fatigue; permanent oral scar tissue.
Other Information
A prior arbitration by E. Scott Dales resulted in a Plaintiff's award in the amount of $130,000; trial de novo by Defendant.
Deliberation
2.5 hours
Poll
9-3
Length
7 days
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