Jesus Ruiz, by and through his Guardian ad Litem, Maria Ruiz, and Maria Ruiz, an individual v. County of Los Angeles, and Does 1 through 40
Published: Dec. 5, 2015 | Result Date: Feb. 11, 2015 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: BC506092 Settlement – $6,240,000
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Philip Michels
(Michels & Lew)
Defendant
Narbeh Bagdasarian
(Office of the Los Angeles County Counsel)
Facts
Jesus Ruiz sued the County of Los Angeles in connection with a surgical procedure he underwent on Aug. 8, 2012.
Contentions
PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Ruiz presented to the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center for a surgical procedure. Following surgery, he received pain medication. Thereafter, he experienced respiratory arrest, causing him to suffer a brain injury.
Ruiz claimed that his pain medications caused his arrest, which then led to his neurological injuries. Plaintiffs asserted claims for dependent adult abuse and/or neglect, professional negligence, negligent hiring/retention, negligent infliction of emotional distress, libel and slander, loss of consortium, and violation of Unruh Civil Rights Act.
DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The county denied the allegations and asserted various affirmative defenses.
Damages
Ruiz's wife, Maria Ruiz, filed a claim for loss of consortium.
Result
The county agreed to settle the dispute for $5.8 million. The county also agreed to assume Ruiz's $440,000 Medi-Cal lien.
Other Information
FILING DATE: May 2, 2013.
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390