This is the property of the Daily Journal Corporation and fully protected by copyright. It is made available only to Daily Journal subscribers for personal or collaborative purposes and may not be distributed, reproduced, modified, stored or transferred without written permission. Please click "Reprint" to order presentation-ready copies to distribute to clients or use in commercial marketing materials or for permission to post on a website. and copyright (showing year of publication) at the bottom.

Personal Injury
Medical Malpractice
Wrongful Death

Steffan v. Kaiser

Published: Apr. 6, 2004 | Result Date: Aug. 21, 2003 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: DUM0002769 Arbitration –  $0

Court

Case Not Filed


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Donzil Roberts


Defendant

B. Casey Yim


Experts

Plaintiff

Donald Morton
(medical)

Defendant

Thompson Adams
(medical)

Debbie Thomas
(medical)

Joel Bruce Schulman
(medical)

Matthew Boone
(medical)

Facts

The decedent was timely diagnosed with sinus melanoma. It was a tumor, located behind her right eye (R maxilary sinus); it penetrated into the pterygomaxilary space and it was 4 cm in size. CT scans demonstrated multiple lesions of metastasis in the liver. Surgery was considered but not advisable because of the presence of liver mets, and also because of the extensive nature of the surgery (deep in the base of the skull, requiring removal of half of the patient's face, mouth, nose and cheek). The patient wanted a second opinion, then a third and fourth which were all obtained. They all came to the same conclusion that surgery was not a viable option. The claimant's expert, however, concluded that surgery could have been attempted but would have required additional tests.

Damages

Wrongful death; sinus melanoma and liver mets.

Result

Defense


#87431

For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:

Email jeremy@reprintpros.com for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390