Confidential
Settlement – $70,000Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Norwalk
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Richard S. Stout
(Law Office of Richard S. Stout)
Defendant
John Patrick Petrullo
(Petrullo, APC)
Experts
Plaintiff
John C. Gonsiorek
(medical)
Betty Bradow
(medical)
Annette M. Brodsky
(medical)
Sherry Mendolsohn
(medical)
Defendant
Robert Scrignar
(medical)
Garrett O'Connor
(medical)
Facts
In 1991, Plaintiffs participated in a four-week in-patient alcohol recovery program at Defendant's facility, in Lakewood, California. Subsequent to their discharge, both women went on to participate in weekly aftercare group therapy sessions at the facility, during which time both women came to know a counselor at the hospital and, subsequently, each woman engaged in sexual relations with him away from the hospital. Defendant counselor was not one of their counselors. When both women discovered that they were having an affair with the same Defendant counselor, he was reported to the Defendant hospital administration, in April 1992, and immediately terminated for violating hospital rules of conduct. In May 1992, both women were diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and adjustment disorder allegedly caused by the trauma to them by Defendant couselor.
Settlement Discussions
Plaintiffs contend their demand was $35,000 each and Defendant's offered $37,000 total. Defendant contends that Plaintiff demanded $500,000 reduced to $125,000 after arbitration.
Injuries
Both Plaintiff suffered from extreme depression, post traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder and both regressed to using alcohol.
Other Information
Prior arbitration by Hon. Carroll Dunnum (retired) resulted in a Defense award; trial de novo by Plaintiffs. The identity of the attorney for the Defendant hospital is confidential.
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390