The Estate of Donna Marie Harris, Julia Jenkins Harris and Devanae Monique Cain v. Richard W. Terry, Cardiovascular Consultants Medical Group Inc.
Published: Jun. 21, 2005 | Result Date: Jan. 7, 2005 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 8080787 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
Alameda Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
David R. Lucchese
(Galloway, Lucchese, Everson & Picchi)
Experts
Plaintiff
William S. Breall
(medical)
Thomas Wayne Rogers
(medical)
Joanna Moss
(technical)
Defendant
Colman Ryan
(medical)
Gerald H. Udinsky
(technical)
R. Hardwin Mead
(medical)
Facts
In 1996, Donna Harris, in her early 30s, gave birth to a daughter. Three months later, Harris experienced severe shortness of breath. Defendant Richard Terry, a cardiologist with defendant Cardiovascular Consultants Medical Group, examined Harris. The defendant took an echocardiogram that revealed that Harris had an enlarged heart. The defendant treated Harris with medications for one year and then referred her to a cardiovascular surgeon. Harris underwent open heart surgery. One month later, defendant Terry reassessed Harris at Summit Medical Center. When she come to the ER, Harris was unable to lie down and had a heart arrhythmia. Terry had Harris transferred to the cardiac monitoring ward. Harris went into cardiac arrest. She suffered severe brain injury and died after two years in a coma. The plaintiffs are Harris' surviving family.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiffs demanded $1,245,000; the defendant offered a $300,000 structured settlement (withdrawn on fifth day of the trial).
Injuries
Harris' daughter claimed general damages for the loss of society and comfort of her mother. She also sought damages for loss of financial support and household services.
Deliberation
3.5 hours
Poll
12-0 (negligence)
Length
21 days
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