Ramiro Polanco, Ana Linares v. County of Los Angeles, et al.
Published: Jun. 18, 2011 | Result Date: May 5, 2011 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: PC046592 Settlement – $207,000
Court
L.A. Superior San Fernando
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Narbeh Bagdasarian
(Office of the Los Angeles County Counsel)
Facts
Ramiro Polanco Mendez was hospitalized at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center on Sept.17, 2008 for an acute cognitive disorder. His original 72-hour psychiatric hold was extended into a 14 day hold. On Sept. 26th, while on physician ordered 1:1 sitter observation/suicide watch, Polanco Mendez attempted suicide by breaking through a hospital window and falling approximately 50 feet, suffering major injuries.
Contentions
PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Polanco Mendez filed suit against the County of Los Angeles alleging malpractice and negligence. Polanco Mendez contended the nursing staff failed to adequately supervise him while on physician ordered 1:1 observation/suicide watch for Polanco Mendez being at increased risk to injure himself. Polanco Mendez claimed that the hospital staff was aware that he tried unsuccessfully to commit suicide just hours before he was allowed to attempt it again by breaking the window and jumping out, sustaining severe bodily injuries, the effects of which are expected to be life long.
Injuries
Polanco Mendez sustained multiple orthopedic fractures, internal organ injuries and severe traumatic brain injury as a result of the incident.
Result
The parties reached a settlement for $207,000.
Other Information
FILING DATE: Oct. 6, 2009.
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