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Personal Injury (Non-Vehicular)
Medical Malpractice
Intrauterine Device

Julana Washington v. Clifton Lee, M.D.

Published: Oct. 1, 1994 | Result Date: Jun. 28, 1994 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: BC080616 –  $5,000

Judge

Judith C. Chirlin

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Joseph L. Shalant


Defendant

Jimmie L. Williams Jr.


Experts

Plaintiff

Eugene R. Sollman
(medical)

Defendant

Scott P. Serden M.D.
(medical)

Facts

On August 20, 1991, Plaintiff Julana Washington, a 27-year-old unemployed woman, presented to Manchester Medical Clinic complaining of vaginal discharge and requesting a pregnancy test. Washington was informed that she was pregnant and that there was a need to install a cervical cerclage in order to prevent a second trimester miscarriage; Plaintiff had a history of 2 previous second trimester miscarriages and was diagnosed as having an incompetent cervix. Washington agreed to the cerclage and had the procedure performed on October 25, 1991, at Centinella Hospital by Dr. Gordon Fraser. On February 29, 1992, Defendant Dr. Clifton Lee was on call for Dr. Fraser. Plaintiff was admitted into California Medical Center for premature labor. On March 2, 1992, she underwent a cesarean section delivery of a healthy male infant. She was discharged 3 days later and instructed to present to a medical clinic in one week. On December 4, 1992, Plaintiff returned to Manchester Medical Clinic complaining of a foul vaginal odor with swelling and itching for the past one-and-one-half weeks. A pelvic exam revealed the previously installed cerclage; it was subsequently removed by Dr. Fraser 3 days later.

Settlement Discussions

Defendant contends that they made no offers and Plaintiff demanded a 998 in the amount of $29,999.

Specials in Evidence

$2,479 none

Damages

Plaintiff asked the jury to award $250,000.

Injuries

Vaginal discharge, infections, and itching.

Deliberation

1 day

Poll

9-3 on informed consent

Length

5 days


#78139

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