Virginia Blair v. Michael Potruch
Published: Oct. 18, 2001 | Result Date: Jul. 9, 2001 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: PC022676 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior San Fernando
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Gunter R. Bauer
(medical)
Defendant
William A. Frumovitz
(medical)
Facts
The plaintiff, a 16-year-old female, on Dec. 23, 1997 underwent a laparoscopy procedure for a
ruptured ovarian cyst. This was undertaken by the defendants, Dr. Michael Potruch and his
assistant, Dr. Martin Cooper. The plaintiff had a history of acute abdominal and pelvic pain. The
plaintiffs pain continued after the procedure. Notwithstanding repeated examinations and testing,
the defendants were unable to provide a definitive reason why the plaintiff was suffering with
acute pelvic pain.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a C.C.P. Section 998 demand of $60,000 and the defendants offered $29,900.
Damages
The plaintiff claimed $300,000
Injuries
An abdominal scar from the belly button to the pubis requiring a future need for plastic surgery.
Other Information
The jury found that the plaintiffÆs mother had consented to the surgery being performed by the defendants, and that this had included the possibility of a scar, and that the plaintiffs had conducted the procedure within the normal standards of care.
Deliberation
2.5 hours
Poll
9-3 (as to Michael Potruch), 10-2 (as to Martin Cooper)
Length
10 days
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