Confidential
Settlement – $1,710,000Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central West
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Antony Stuart
(Stuart Law Firm)
Defendant
Andre J. Cronthall
(Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP)
Fred R. Puglisi
(Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP)
Facts
Plaintiff Dana Christensen and her husband, Doug, purchased a certificate of coverage in a group health insurance policy from defendant The MEGA Life & Health Insurance Co. (MEGA). Three months after the policy/certificate was issued, Doug was diagnosed with a recurrence of bone cancer. He underwent chemotherapy and two surgeries. He died in October 2002. The Christensens amassed medical bills of several hundred thousands of dollars, which were not covered by the policy/certificate. The plaintiff sued the defendants for fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of California's unfair competition law.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff demanded $3.9 million. The defendant made a C.C.P. Section 998 Offer of $1.71 million, which was accepted.
Damages
The plaintiff claimed $550,000 in unpaid medical bills.
Injuries
The plaintiff claimed damages for emotional distress.
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