Susan Terry and Dennis Terry v. Alex Danso, M.D.
Published: Apr. 17, 1999 | Result Date: Mar. 5, 1999 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: MC004915 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Michael R. Bongiorno
(Wilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale & Dorr LLP)
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
William Copeland
(medical)
Rendell Houston
(medical)
Defendant
Gregory Dantzler
(medical)
Facts
In October 1990, plaintiff Susan Terry, a 33-year-old medical assistant complained of pelvic pain during menstruation, for the last six months. The defendant, Dr. Alex Danso, performed a diagnostic laparoscopy and confirmed his pre-operatived diagnosis of endometriosis. The plaintiff was initially prescribed birth control pills. The complaints continued, and began to affect her social activities. Thus, on Nov. 4, 1992, the defendant performed a total abdominal hysterectomy/bilateral salpingooophorectomy (TAH/BSO). She rolerated the procedure well, but on the day of discharge, she complained of back pains. A urinalysis was ordered, and the plaintiff was instructed to present for an early follow-up. The urinalysis was negative, and a physical examination failed to reveal any costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness. On Nov. 17, 1992, the plaintiff reported no complaints, and another examination failed to reveal any CVA tenderness. On Nov. 21, 1992, the plaintiff complained of back pain at an urgent care clinic. Four days later, she was referred to Dr. Houston, after an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) revealed a ureteral obstruction. The plaintiff subsequently underwent a ureteroneocystostomy, and had a urinoma drained from around her left kidney. The plaintiffs, the patient and her husband, brought this action against the defendant based on negligence and loss of consortium.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a C.C.P. º998 settlement demand for $50,000. The defendant made a C.C.P. º998 offer of compromise for $5,000.
Injuries
The plaintiff suffered total abdominal hysterectomy/bilateral salpingoophorectomy and pain and suffering.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately five years and four months after the case was filed. A settlement conference was held on Oct. 1, 1998, before Ross Amspoker, referee, Los Angeles Superior Court, resulting in no settlement.
Deliberation
41 minutes
Poll
9-3
Length
four days
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