Xiaoxia Zhang v. Mary-Jo Velloze
Published: Jul. 9, 2005 | Result Date: May 9, 2005 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: GC033720 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Glendale
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Thomas G. Wianecki
(Wesierski & Zurek LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
Richard Stevenson
(medical)
Defendant
Edmond Hewlett
(medical)
Facts
The plaintiff, a 30-year-old woman, was seen at Las Tunas Family Dental Group in June 2003. Associate dentist, Dr. Mary-Jo Velloze, diagnosed the need for root planings and scalings for a class II periodontal condition. Eight crowns were also to be fabricated and delivered. Four of the crowns were for cosmetics. Four others were to repair old failing restorations. Dr. Velloze saw the patient five times in June 2003. The plaintiff next went to Little Tokyo Dental Group on July 11, 2003 for a second opinion. The plaintiff did not tell Dr. Velloze that she was unhappy with the crowns. Dr. Iwao Yoshimura made five recommendations including an orthodontic referral. The patient thought her upper front crowns were sticking out too far. She was dissatisfied with the color. The plaintiff did not follow through with Dr. Yoshimura's recommendations. The plaintiff next saw Dr. Richard Stevenson in May 2004. He formulated a treatment plan of some $40,000 to $50,000 of work. All eight crowns were said to be defective. The plaintiff did nothing and still has the eight crowns from Dr. Velloze.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff initially demanded $100,000 (C.C.P. Section 998), reduced to $40,000 before trial. The defense offered $9,999.99 (C.C.P. Section 998).
Damages
According to the plaintiff: Economic damages of $20,900 and non-economic damages of $100,000. According to the defense: Economic damages of $8,000 to $10,000 (to change crowns) and non-economic of $250.
Deliberation
2 hours
Length
three days
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