Rene Passman v. County of Los Angeles, et al.
Published: Mar. 30, 2004 | Result Date: Jan. 27, 2004 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: BC288632 Verdict – $1,097,430
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Facts
The plaintiff presented to Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center on May 3, 2002 for bilateral leg stump infections. On May 7, it was determined by the defendant, through its employees and/or agents, that a PICC line was recommended for delivery of antibiotic therapy. On May 14, the plaintiff presented for the PICC line placement at the defendant's facility. According to the procedure note, several attempts were made to access the basilic vein in the plaintiff's left arm which proved to be unsuccessful. Once it was determined that placement in the left arm could not be achieved by the individual performing the procedure, placement of the PICC line was undertaken in the plaintiff's right arm. Thereafter, the plaintiff complained to his health care personnel about pain and swelling in his right arm and hand. According to the hospital records, the pain and swelling were associated with the placement of the PICC line undertaken by the defendants. The assessment by the defendants at that time indicated possible nerve trauma but no emergent evaluation was ordered nor was any diagnostic testing ordered on an expedited basis. On May 16, an ultrasound examination revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the right brachial artery at the puncture site with compression of the median nerve. Per the hospital records, a vascular surgical consult was recommended but was not performed until May 18 by an intern. On May 20, the plaintiff underwent an emergent right forearm exploration and evacuation which revealed a right upper extremity brachial artery injury with hematoma and external compression of the median nerve. Following the operative procedure, the plaintiff continued and continues to have complaints of a neuropathy involving his right upper arm and hand. Per the hospital records, the injury diagnosed was indicated to be permanent in nature.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a C.C.P. Section 998 demand of $1 million. The County of Los Angeles offered $50,000 on the second day of trial.
Other Information
Approximately three weeks before trial, counsel for defendant that a mediation would be helpful in potentially resolving this case. However, no resolution occurred and coincidentally, counsel for this defendant chose to have a subrosa video taken of plaintiff on the mediation date.
Deliberation
two days
Length
14 days
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