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Personal Injury
Medical Malpractice
Negligent Treatment

Anthony Chaparro, a minor, by and through his Guardian ad Litem, Lidia Paracios v. Northridge Hospital Medical Center and Emergency Medical Group

Published: Dec. 30, 2003 | Result Date: Oct. 16, 2003 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: LC060691 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Stanley M. Weisberg

Court

L.A. Superior Van Nuys


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Richard T. Lobl


Defendant

Michael A. O'Flaherty


Experts

Plaintiff

Kenneth A. Corre
(medical)

Lad Rubaum
(medical)

Defendant

William Slattery
(medical)

Warren S. Line Jr.
(medical)

Roy Antelyes
(medical)

Lee Marie Schlick
(medical)

Facts

In April 2001, the plaintiff, Anthony Chaparro, 5, was brought to the emergency room of defendant Northridge Hospital Medical Center. A bead was stuck in the plaintiff's ear canal. Various efforts were made to remove the bead, all unsuccessful. Two days later, surgery was performed by ENT specialist Lad Rubaum, who discovered a broken malleus in the plaintiff's ear. Rubaum noted in the medical chart that the conduct of the defendant's nurses who had attempted to remove the bead prior to surgery was below the standard of care. The plaintiff, through the testimony of his guardian ad litem and mother Lidia Paracios, sued the defendant for medical malpractice. The defendant contended that the nurses did not attempt to remove the bead; that the eardrum was not ruptured at the hospital; that all care was within standard; that additional surgery will not be necessary as the bone chip will not cause any harm; and the hearing loss was not as much as was claimed.

Specials in Evidence

$10,000

Injuries

The plaintiff alleged that he needs extensive further surgery to remove and repair a broken malleus in his inner ear. He will require a hearing aid.

Other Information

Plaintiff's counsel did not contribute to this report.

Deliberation

55 minutes

Poll

11-1

Length

seven days


#123093

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