Facts

Minor plaintiff was born on Nov. 29, 2003 at defendant Catholic Healthcare West (CHW), aka Northridge Hospital Medical Center, via emergency c-section after his mother suffered complications, including a 20 percent placental abruption. Minor plaintiff was severely hypoglycemic and in respiratory distress at delivery, but was transferred to the normal newborn nursery. After three hours, he was transferred to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Minor plaintiff filed suit against the hospital and its doctors. Dr. Kyu Kim, was granted summary judgment. The individual doctor defendants were all voluntarily dismissed, without payment, in exchange for a waiver of costs.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Minor plaintiff claimed he should have been transferred to the NICU at birth and not to the normal newborn nursery. Minor plaintiff contended that the three hour wait to be transferred resulted in his permanent and irreversible brain damage. He further contended that he requires 24-our care and cannot earn a living nor enjoy life. Minor plaintiff claimed that the hospital, its doctors, and its staff were negligent in failing to properly diagnose and treat him. Specifically, minor plaintiff contended that Dr. Saba Gafar ordered minor plaintiff to the newborn nursery expecting him to die in an effort to limit liability to $250,000, per MICRA.

Specials in Evidence

Minor plaintiff claimed $273,000 in medical costs.

Damages

Minor plaintiff sought a total of $5,000,000.

Injuries

Minor plaintiff claimed brain damage.

Result

Minor plaintiff and CHW settled confidentially for $1,950,000.

Other Information

In light of the fact that the settlement terms were confidential, it should be noted that neither party breached confidentiality by providing information for this report. FILING DATE: Jan. 4, 2008.