Alexis Reynoso, a minor, by and through her Guardian ad Litem, Donald Reynoso v. Riverside Medical Clinic, Navid Furutan, Ravi Berry, Eugene Chan
Published: Aug. 13, 2005 | Result Date: May 9, 2005 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 04CC02084 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
Orange Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Campbell H. Finlay
(Davis, Grass, Goldstein & Finlay)
Experts
Plaintiff
Richard K. Mathis
(medical)
J. Carlos Maggi
(medical)
Defendant
Bruce Beckwith
(medical)
Leo J. Murphy
(medical)
John H. Samson
(medical)
Marvin E. Ament
(medical)
Facts
Alexis Reynoso, 11, was brought to Riverside Medical Clinic's pediatric after-hours clinic on Nov. 9, 2002,
complaining of nausea, vomiting, and stomach pains for 24 hours. Pediatrician Navid Furutan found increased
stool in the colon as shown by a KUB x-ray. He diagnosed a viral syndrome, provided dietary advice to
Alexis's mother and instructed her to give Alexis Advil or Tylenol for fever and to bring Alexis back to the
clinic if her symptoms continued.
Alexis's regular pediatrician, James Belote, saw her on Nov. 12 at Beaver Medical Clinic. Belote prescribed
laxatives after assessing that Alexis' continued abdominal pain was caused by "stool holding." He made
arrangements for a follow-up appointment with another pediatrician.
Alexis was seen by pediatric gastroenterologist Ravi Berry on Nov. 13. Berry noted that Alexis did not complain
of continuing abdominal pain, and felt that the symptoms were most likely caused by anxiety. He instructed
Alexis to eat more and took her off laxatives.
Alexis was taken to the emergency room at Riverside Community Hospital on Nov. 14, complaining of diffuse
abdominal tenderness. ER physician Eugene Chan found the results of a complete blood count to be normal,
but found large amounts of stool represented on an abdominal x-ray series. He assessed acute constipation and
convinced Berry to see Alexis the following day.
Alexis was seen by Furutan on Nov. 15. Furutan was able to induce a bowel movement by manipulating stool
during a rectal examination. This appeared to alleviate Alexis' pain. He sent her home after prescribing Miralex
to help Alexis to have a bowel movement. He also instructed her father to return Alexis to the clinic on Nov.
18. Furutan spoke with Alexis's mother on the evening of Nov. 15. Her mother reported no change in Alexis's
condition. During a conversation the next morning, Alexis' father reported to Furutan that Alexis had a bowel
movement, and appeared much better.
Alexis returned to the clinic on Nov. 19. Furutan at that point ordered a CT-scan to rule out appendicitis. Alexis
was ultimately admitted through the emergency room at Riverside Medical Clinic with a diagnosis of ruptured
appendix.
Alexis received surgery on Nov. 20 at Riverside Community Hospital and remained hospitalized through Dec. 2.
Settlement Discussions
Reynoso demanded $75,000, reduced to $29,999. Riverside Medical made no offer to settle.
Injuries
Alexis claimed that the failure to diagnose necessitated an extensive open abdominal surgery and prolonged hospitalization.
Deliberation
1.5 days
Poll
10-2
Length
six days
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390