Liza Robinson-Lofton v. Reta Floyd, M.D.
Published: Dec. 11, 1999 | Result Date: Sep. 27, 1999 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: TC010993 – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Compton
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Robert L. McKenna III
(Kjar, McKenna & Stockalper LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
John Hochman
(medical)
Martin S. Goldfarb
(medical)
Defendant
David L. Braff
(medical)
Richard Ruffalo
(medical)
Facts
In February 1997, defendant Reta Floyd, M.D. assumed the psychiatric care of decedent Janet Bly, a 37-year-old unemployed patient at Highland Manor, a board and care facility. The decedent had a history of heart disease. In April 1997, the decedent underwent two echocardiograms, performed by a physician at St. Francis Medical Center. Defendant Floyd took over care of the decedent when she was transferred from the medical ward at St. Francis to the hospital's psychiatric ward. The defendant did not see the decedent's medical chart before the decedent was discharged from the hospital. Following discharge, the defendant started the decedent on Clozaril, a new anti-psychotic medication. In addition, the defendant continued to prescribe two other anti-psychotic medications. On July 18, 1997, the decedent went into cardiac arrest and died. A subsequent autopsy revealed a severe heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. As a result of this condition, the decedent's heart was almost two times the normal size. In addition, the Clozaril levels detected in the decedent's blood were four times the therapeutic level. The coroner reported the cause of death to be severe heart disease combined with excessive levels of Clozaril. The plaintiff, the decedent's sister and sole heir, brought this action against defendant Dr. Floyd based on professional negligence theories of recovery.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a settlement demand for $250,000, reduced to $50,000 before trial. The defendant made no settlement offer.
Injuries
The plaintiff claimed death of a 37-year-old sister.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately ___ years and _______ months after the case was filed. A settlement conference/ mediation/ arbitration was held on ______________, 19__ before _______________ (name) of _______________________ (affiliation), resulting in _____________________________.
Deliberation
1+ hours
Poll
10-2
Length
10 days
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