Facts

Jason Yocum fractured his left distal radius due to a snowboarding accident and received medical treatment at Clovis Community Hospital. Later, Yocum's primary care physician referred him to orthopedic surgeon Sanagaram Shantharam, M.D. for follow-ups and evaluations. At the orthopedic surgeon's recommendation, Yocum underwent an open reduction and internal fixation using plates and screws. Nearly one year later, Yocum sought medical care from another orthopedic surgeon, who performed an osteotomy, a bone graft, and a fusion on Yocum's wrist.

Yocum sued Shantharam for medical malpractice.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Yocum claimed that Shantharam failed to properly fix the wrist fracture, which caused him pain and required him to undergo subsequent corrective surgeries.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Shantharam argued that his care was within the proper standard and that the outcome of the surgery was satisfactory.

Damages

The plaintiff requested $250,000 in past and future non-economic damages.

Result

Defense verdict.

Deliberation

45 minutes

Poll

12-0

Length

five days