Lester Roberson, Jr. v. Grossmont Hospital, et al.
Published: Sep. 7, 1996 | Result Date: Jun. 21, 1996 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 679972 – $8,148,140
Judge
Court
San Diego Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Robert W. Frank
(Neil, Dymott, Frank, McCabe & Hudson)
Experts
Plaintiff
Daniel Orfuss
(medical)
Doreen Casuto RN, MRA, CRRN, CCM
(medical)
Kenneth J. Richland
(medical)
Arthur Brodshatzer
(technical)
Claud Bird
(medical)
Defendant
Sharon K. Kawai M.D.
(medical)
Jerome C. Stenehjem M.D.
(medical)
Cary P. Mack
(technical)
Charles K. Jablecki
(medical)
Brian R. Copeland
(medical)
Facts
On Dec. 23, 1993, plaintiff Lester Roberson Jr., a 36-year-old unemployed disabled man, was admitted to defendant Grossmont Hospital, complaining of left-sided weakness and paralysis. The plaintiff had a pre-existing condition, cerebral palsy. The plaintiff alleged that his symptoms were caused by two ruptured discs at C-3 through C-5, which were compressing his spinal cord. The defendants did not diagnose the reuptured disc problem until Jan. 3, 1994. By that time, the plaintiff was a quadriplegic. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendants, the hospital and three doctors, based on medical negligence and professional malpractice theories of recovery.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a C.C.P. º998 settlement demand for $2 million. The defendants made no settlement offers.
Specials in Evidence
$50,000 $_________ $_________ $7,748,137
Injuries
The plaintiff alleged he suffered permanent paralysis as a result of the defendants' medical negligence.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately one year and nine months after the case was filed. A settlement conference was held in August 1995 before Judge James Milliken of San Diego Superior Court. It failed to resolve the matter.
Deliberation
1 day
Poll
12-0
Length
18 days
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