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Personal Injury (Non-Vehicular)
Professional Negligence
Medical Malpractice

Geena Zalkin, a minor, by and through her Guardian Ad Litem, Betty Zalkin v. Karl Norris

Published: Jun. 7, 2001 | Result Date: Apr. 27, 2001 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: BC190867 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Joseph R. Kalin

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Moses A. Lebovits
(Daniels, Fine, Israel, Schonbuch & Lebovits LLP)


Defendant

Richard D. Carroll


Experts

Plaintiff

John Kitzmiller
(medical)

Kenneth Butler
(medical)

Defendant

Perry R. Lubens M.D.
(medical)

John Elliott
(medical)

Facts

The 29-year-old plaintiff Betty Zalkin was presented at 30 weeks gestation in pre-term labor having had all
prenatal care at another facility. Ultrasound revealed severe polyhydramnios and the patient was hospitalized
and tocolyzed. During the hospitalization, patient had blood sugars of 242 and 169. A diabetic screen was
ordered but never done.
Following successful tocolytic therapy, the patient was discharged on oral terbutaline and bedrest. During the
next four weeks, the patient followed weekly with her perinatologist and went into labor at 34+ weeks
gestation. Following an L/S ration result of 2.3, tocolytics were discontinued and after 36 hours, the patient
delivered a 2390 gram baby girl with Apgars of 8 and 9. Shortly after birth, the baby had respiratory distress
syndrome and an intraventricular hemorrhage. Three weeks later, the child was discharged and later diagnosed
with severe neurologic sequelae.

Specials in Evidence

$4.5 million (present cash value)

Injuries

The plaintiff suffered permanent neurologic sequelae.

Deliberation

one day

Poll

9-3

Length

12 days


#80820

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