Suzi Colthart, individually, and as Guardian ad Litem for Briona Colthart, Roman Colthart, Zara Colthart, minors v. Paul Reiman
Published: Jul. 16, 2005 | Result Date: Apr. 21, 2005 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: RIC383441 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
Riverside Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Jeffery W. Grass
(Davis, Grass, Goldstein & Finlay)
Experts
Plaintiff
James Leone
(technical)
William Baker
(medical)
Defendant
James T. London M.D.
(medical)
Ted Vavoulis
(technical)
Facts
On Oct. 19, 2001, Scott Colthart, age 38, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. The surgery was performed by defendant surgeon Paul Reiman. While Colthart was recuperating at home, he developed cramping in his right thigh. On Oct. 22, he called defendant's office and complained of thigh pain. The nurse told him not to worry. The following day, Colthart died suddenly of a pulmonary embolism. An autopsy showed deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the operated leg as the cause of the embolism.
Damages
The plaintiffs claimed economic damages of $1 million for past and future loss of earnings (Colthart was a self-employed floor resurfacer). They also claimed unspecified general damages for the wrongful death of their husband and father. They sought $1.5 million.
Result
The jury returned a defense verdict.
Deliberation
4.5 hours
Poll
12-0
Length
five days
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