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Personal Injury
Medical Malpractice
Failure to Monitor

Francine Ward v. Samuel Sepuya

Published: Mar. 29, 2005 | Result Date: Oct. 21, 2004 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: SCVSS102504 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Tara C. Reilly

Court

San Bernardino Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Howard S. Rosen


Defendant

Tom M. Allen


Experts

Plaintiff

Jed Sydejko
(medical)

Michael Mazouz
(medical)

Carole Lieberman
(medical)

Defendant

Frank J. Briganti
(medical)

Douglas C. Cable M.D.
(medical)

Melvyn krause
(medical)

Facts

Francine Ward, a 55-year-old office clerk, consulted with Samuel Sepuya, an internal medicine specialist regarding swelling in her leg. Sepuya prescribed Coumadin and ordered an ultrasound. No deep vein thrombosis was discovered. Ward discontinued the Coumadin. She contacted Sepuya with complaints of blood in her urine, frequent urination and abdominal pain. Sepuya prescribed Levaquin for a urinary tract infection. The next day, Ward was hospitalized for a urinary tract infection and a possible lesion on her kidneys. Lab tests showed elevated levels in Ward's prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR) levels. Ward sued Sepuya for medical malpractice claiming the Coumadin caused her high PT/INR levels.

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed she suffered long-term bleeding from her bladder as a result of Coumadin toxicity. She also claimed emotional distress. The defense disputed the plaintiff's injuries.

Result

Defense

Deliberation

1.5 hours

Poll

10-2

Length

12 days


#85440

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