Maurice Richardson, Kathryn Richardson v. Lorne Houten
Published: Apr. 6, 2002 | Result Date: Oct. 1, 2001 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: PC025244Y Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior San Fernando
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Amy Fisch Solomon
(Judicate West)
Defendant
Michael J. Trotter
(Carroll, Kelly, Trotter & Franzen)
Linda Star
(Hartsuyker, Stratman & Williams-Abrego)
Experts
Plaintiff
Sheldon E. Jordan
(medical)
Defendant
Lorne Houten
(medical)
Richard Ruffalo
(medical)
Jody Meisel
(medical)
Facts
The plaintiff, aged approximately 75, had a history of chronic low back pain and a prior laminectomy. He
underwent an epiduraloscopy performed by the defendant, Dr. Houten, at Holy Cross Medical Center.
Immediately following the procedure, the patient had complaints of leg spasm, hypertension and diaphoresis.
When pain medications and mild sedatives did not stop the spasm, the patient was ultimately transferred to
ICU and given a paralytic agent.
As the result of the reaction, the plaintiff had to the procedure and/or the medication
utilized, he suffered several fractured vertebrae and ribs.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff submitted a demand of $225,000. The defendant Dr. Houten offered $75,000; Holy Cross Medical Center offered $15,000.
Injuries
Pain and suffering for the plaintiff and loss of consortium for his wife.
Deliberation
3.5 hours
Poll
12-0 (for Dr. Houten), 11-1 (for Holy Cross Medical Center)
Length
10 days
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