Helen and Dale Patchen v. County of Riverside
Published: Apr. 15, 1995 | Result Date: Apr. 3, 1995 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 243236 – $305,000
Judge
Court
Riverside Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Bruce S. Victor
(medical)
Defendant
Jane Whelan
(medical)
Jeffrey A. Katz
(medical)
Paul DiNicola
(medical)
Edward Kirshbaum
(medical)
William C. Wirshing
(medical)
F. Warren Lovell M.D.
(medical)
Facts
Plaintiffs are the parents of Christine Patchen, a 23-year-old woman who died on February 9, 1993 at Defendant Riverside General Hospital. Christine had been admitted into the inpatient psychiatric facility of Riverside General Hospital on February 6, 1993 under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5150 (3-day psychiatric hold) after an incident at the home of her boyfriend. She had previously received inpatient and outpatient care for schizophrenia. Her 5150 admission was converted to a Section 5250 (14-day psychiatric hold) on the morning of her death. Christine had received 2 Haldol injections on February 8, 1993, against her will on an "emergency" basis, pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5008(m). On the morning of February 9, 1993, Christine displayed symptoms of reaction to the Haldol of a condition known as "neuroleptic malignant syndrome," characterized by a high blood pressure, rapid pulse, fever, and sweating. She was found dead, face down in her pillow, in her video-monitored room in the psychiatric intensive care unit at approximately 12:15 p.m. on February 9, 1993.
Settlement Discussions
Plaintiffs contend their demand was $100,000 and Defendant's offer was $40,000 (withdrawn at the onset of trial).
Specials in Evidence
not claimed
Damages
$3,000 burial expenses.
Injuries
Death of 23-year-old daughter.
Deliberation
2.5 days
Poll
10-2 negligence for plaintiffs, 12-0 battery for defendant, 10-2 damages
Length
11 days
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