Charles Funakura, Kathy Funakura v. Roderick K. Yasuda
Published: Apr. 13, 2004 | Result Date: Nov. 7, 2003 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: DUM0002759 – $275,667
Facts
The defendant, Dr. Roderick Yasuda, M.D., performed a thoractomy chest surgery for the removal of an emphyseman (abscess) from the plaintiff Charles Funakura's, pleural space (lung cavity) on Dec. 19, 2000. At the end of the procedure, the wound was packed with a saline soaked gauze roll known as a "Kerlix" roll. Initially, the plaintiff did well and his wound began to close. However, ultimately, the wound began to have a foul-smelling discharge and would not heal. On March 11, 2001, Dr. Yasuda performed a surgical exploration of the wound, which revealed two retained Kerlix rolls which were quite purulent. Because of intensive scarring following the surgery, the wound was not able to be closed until May 29, 2003.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiffs demanded $250,000; the defendant offered zero dollars.
Other Information
The case was arbitrated before retired Judge Robert M. Letteau, Richard G. Reinjohn and Theodore Hammond of ARD Services.
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