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Personal Injury
Medical Malpractice
Negligence

Sybil Green v. Paradise Valley Hospital

Published: Oct. 7, 2003 | Result Date: Jul. 1, 2003 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: GIS9873 Verdict –  $314,116

Judge

Luis R. Vargas

Court

San Diego Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Louis J. Bertsche
(Law Offices of Louis J. Bertsche)


Defendant

Sheila S. Trexler


Experts

Plaintiff

Dorothy Pollack
(medical)

William C. Wilson
(Wilson Getty LLP) (medical)

Charles K. Jablecki
(medical)

Defendant

Marilee Tagg
(medical)

Sherry Braheny
(medical)

Facts

On March 16, 2001, the plaintiff, a 54-year-old homemaker, had abdominal surgery at the defendant hospital. After the surgery, a peripheral IV line was placed in her left arm. Subsequently, she claimed that the IV line caused damage to her ulnar nerve. She sued the defendant hospital and alleged medical malpractice.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff demanded $125,000. There was no offer.

Specials in Evidence

$3,042 $1,074

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed that she suffered damage to her ulnar nerve at the level of the wrist, resulting in pain, numbness and loss of function to her left hand and fingers. She also claimed that she suffered from extremely painful spasms caused by the injury to her ulnar nerve. She claimed damages for past and future medical expenses, as well as past and future pain and suffering.

Result

The jury awarded $150,000 for past pain and suffering and $160,000 for future pain and suffering.

Deliberation

one day

Length

six days


#83598

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