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Personal Injury (Non-Vehicular)
Medical Malpractice
Wrongful Death

Carmen Castellanos, et al. v. NME Hospitals, Inc., et al.

Published: Oct. 21, 1995 | Result Date: Sep. 27, 1995 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: BC088341 –  $0

Judge

Dion G. Morrow

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Rolando Hidalgo


Defendant

Ralph S. Hemer

Bradley C. Clark


Experts

Plaintiff

Ronald H. Wender
(medical)

Defendant

Thomas H. Cromwell
(medical)

Facts

Javier Castellanos was a 62-year-old chronic renal dialysis patient who broke his hip on December 20, 1992. He was admitted to USC University Hospital on December 21, 1992 and scheduled for hip replacement surgery on December 22, 1992. The anesthesiologist for the hip surgery was Defendant G. Edward Morgan, M.D. The anesthesia plan was to use a spinal anesthetic with a light general anesthetic and to insert an arterial line and central venous pressure line once the general anesthesia had taken effect. Approximately five minutes after the spinal anesthesia had been given and prior to the induction of the general anesthesia, the patient experienced a significant drop in blood pressure. Chest compression, fluid resuscitation and chemical resuscitation were begun, and the patient was ultimately resuscitated. However, he remained in a coma for approximately one year until his death on January 1, 1994. The Plaintiffs were his surviving spouse and two adult children.

Settlement Discussions

Defendants contended that Plaintiffs made a 998 demand in the amount of $706,000 and no offers were made.

Injuries

Death of spouse and parent.

Other Information

Defendants USC, NME Hospitals, and the anesthesiology resident were dismissed prior to trial.

Deliberation

3 days

Poll

9-3 liability

Length

6 days


#109176

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