Facts

On Nov. 2, 2003, Trent Hughes sustained spine injuries while using a sand rail vehicle. Neurosurgeon Christopher Pham diagnosed Hughes as having a complete lesion of the spinal cord and irreversible paraplegia. He decided to place a cage to bridge Hughes' vertebrae and ordered special hardware. Pham performed the surgery 49 hours after Hughes entered the emergency room. Hughes sued Pham for delayed treatment.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Hughes claimed that he cold move his legs after arriving at the hospital and that Pham delayed the operation because he did not know how to undertake the surgery.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defense asserted that Hughes' injuries were irreversible.

Settlement Discussions

Hughes demanded $5 million and the defense offered to waive costs in exchange for dismissal with prejudice.

Damages

Hughes requested up to $19,783,942 in economic damages and $49 million for pain and suffering.

Injuries

The plaintiff sustained T12 compression fracture, compression of the spinal cord, syrinx and paraplegia as a result.

Result

The jury returned a verdict in favor of the defense.

Other Information

NORCAL insured Pham.

Deliberation

eight hours

Poll

9-3 (standard of care)

Length

10 days