This is the property of the Daily Journal Corporation and fully protected by copyright. It is made available only to Daily Journal subscribers for personal or collaborative purposes and may not be distributed, reproduced, modified, stored or transferred without written permission. Please click "Reprint" to order presentation-ready copies to distribute to clients or use in commercial marketing materials or for permission to post on a website. and copyright (showing year of publication) at the bottom.

Personal Injury (Non-Vehicular)
Wrongful Death
Medical Malpractice

Bruno Brazauski v. Harold D. Copans, M.D., and Christopher Elia, M.D.

Published: Jul. 27, 1996 | Result Date: Feb. 21, 1996 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: 681518 –  $0

Judge

Terry Byron O'Rourke

Court

San Diego Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Stafford W. Prante


Defendant

Michael I. Neil
(Neil, Dymott, Frank, McCabe & Hudson)


Experts

Plaintiff

Lawrence P. Temkin
(medical)

Defendant

Walter P. Dembitsky
(medical)

Facts

The decedent, a 70-year-old retired man, had a history of pulmonary and heart problems and had suffered heart valve damage as a result of rheumatic fever. She was a life-long smoker and a chronic drinker. By 1990, the decedent's condition had deteriorated to such an extent that she was hospitalized for pulmonary problems. Her treating doctor, defendant Dr. Harold D.Copans, determined that she needed a mitral valve replacement and possible bypass surgery. Defendant Dr. Christopher Elia, a cardiac surgeon, examined the decedent and determined that she was a candidate for mitral valve replacement. An angiogram confirmed the need for the valve replacement and bypass surgery, which was performed the following day on March 3, 1993. The surgery went well, but on March 7, 1993, the decedent died of a bilateral pneumothorax. The plaintiff, the decedent's husband, brought this action against the defendants, Drs. Copans and Elia, based on medical negligence and malpractice theories of recovery.

Settlement Discussions

No settlement demands or offers were exchanged.

Injuries

Loss of a wife.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately _____ years and _______ months after the case was filed.

Length

4 days


#92492

For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:

Email jeremy@reprintpros.com for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390