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Personal Injury (Vehicular)
Professional Negligence
Medical Malpractice

Donna Hanold, Mike Hanold, Rachele Hanold and Janelle Hanold v. St. Jude Heritage Health Foundation and Brian Koffman, M.D.

Published: Nov. 27, 1999 | Result Date: Oct. 26, 1999 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: KC026714 –  $0

Judge

Robert A. Dukes

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Joseph Iacopino


Defendant

Michael J. Trotter
(Carroll, Kelly, Trotter & Franzen)


Experts

Plaintiff

Robert Beauchesne
(medical)

Raymond G. Schultz
(technical)

Defendant

Roy L. Herndon
(medical)

Facts

On March 18, 1997, the patient, a 52-year-old salesman presented to defendant St. Jude Heritage Health Foundation with complaints of pain in his left side. He filled out a health questionare indicating that he had heart surgery 10 years previous and smoked two packs of cigarettes a day. He was evaluated by a physician's assistant who concluded the patient had prostatitis and a musculoskeletal strain. The patient returned the very next day and was seen by defendant Dr. Koffman. At that time, he was diagnosed with constipation and a musculoskeletal strain. The chart notes reflect that the patient complained of left anterior rib pain on both visits. The patient died one week later of a fatal cardiac arrhythmia. The plaintiffs', the decedent's wife and three children, brought this action based medical negligence against the defendant.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiffs made a C.C.P. Section 998 demand of $500,000, reduced to $280,000 during trial. The defendants made no offer.

Specials in Evidence

$200,000 $300,000

Damages

$500,000 (household services)

Deliberation

three hours

Poll

11-1

Length

eight days


#88312

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