Thomas Bogdanich v. The Regents of the University of California
Published: Jun. 14, 2005 | Result Date: Mar. 7, 2005 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 02CECG03201 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
Fresno Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Stewart H. Gleischman M.D.
(medical)
Defendant
Adam Seiver
(medical)
Douglas C. Cable M.D.
(medical)
Facts
Thomas Bogdanich, a 46-year-old professional drag boat racer, lost control of his high-speed racing boat while at Brenda Reservoir in Chowchilla. He was ejected from the boat and skidded across the water on his buttocks and perineum at 90 to 100 mph. As a result, he suffered injuries to his pelvis and rectum. Bogdanich was taken to University Medical Center in Fresno. Exams confirmed fractures to his pelvis with displacement of some lower abdominal organs and retroperitoneal and rectal bleeding. Bogdanich received blood transfusions and fluid resuscitation. An embolization of the arteries within the pelvic structure stopped the hemorrhage. The trauma surgeon at the medical center, Krista Kaups, performed a rigid sigmoidoscopy to examine the rectum and lower colon in order to identify the source of bleeding. Kaups was unable to find the specific site of injury in the rectum. An exploratory laparotomy was then performed by attending surgeon, William Dominic and trauma fellow, Gregory Angier. No evidence of injury was evidenced in the bowel. Due to the history of rectal bleeding, a colostomy was performed. Bogdanich was admitted to the intensive care unit following surgery. He developed blisters on his scrotum and perineum consistent with Fornier's gangrene. Bogdanich underwent debridement of necrotic and infected tissue from his retroperitoneum to his mid-thighs. His penis subsequently necrosed, at which time he underwent addition debridement procedures. This included removal of 50 percent of his penis and his entire scrotum. Bogdanich sued the Regents of the University of California, alleging medical malpractice.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff demanded $1 million.
Specials in Evidence
$298,082 $1,191,392
Injuries
The plaintiff suffered a pelvic fracture, impotence, incontinence, chronic perineal pain, disfigured genitalia and severe depression.
Result
Defense
Deliberation
35 minutes
Length
six days
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