Janice Farmer v. Jeffrey Huffman
Published: Jan. 18, 2001 | Result Date: Dec. 1, 2000 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: BC213389 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Matthew S. Pascale
(Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith LLP)
Howard A. Slavin
(Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
Gene Ward
(medical)
Namir Kathouda
(medical)
Defendant
John S. Stein
(medical)
Fred Kuyt
(medical)
Facts
The plaintiff, age 51, presented to USCÆs Acute Care Center on Sept. 12, 1996, complaining of severe right flank
pain. A kidney stone was suspected and the plaintiff was requested to strain her urine.
On September 15, the plaintiff returned to USC, this time suggesting some diminishment of her pain (she had
been on antibiotics for three days). An ultrasound was ordered which showed a hydronephrotic right kidney
that was essentially not functioning and dilated. The family practitioner referred the plaintiff to defendant
Jeffrey Huffman, a board certified urologist.
The defendant performed cystoscopy and a retrograde pyelogram. The plaintiffÆs pain went away and did not
see a doctor for 11 months.
In August 1997, the plaintiff presented to the defendant again complaining of pain. Though the plaintiff said it
was the same right flank area, the defendantÆs dictation was wrong and the defendant maintained the pain was
on the plaintiffÆs left side. The defendant ordered an intravenous pyelogram which evaluated both kidneys. The
IVP confirmed that which had been known one year earlier.
The plaintiff returned to defendant on Sept. 10, 1997, now complaining of pain in the epigastric area,
abdominal bloating after eating, ankle swelling and night sweats. The defendant suggested she be seen by a
gastroenterologist.
The plaintiff also saw her primary care physician, also on Sept. 10, 1997, with recorded pain in the right upper
quadrant abdominal pain. She was referred to USC surgeon, Namir Katkhouda, who now recorded the
plaintiffÆs complained to be in the right lower quadrant. Suspecting appendicitis, Dr. Katkhouda performed an
exploratory laparoscopy which was converted to a laparotomy when extensive intra-abdominal adhesions were
discovered.
Following the laparotomy, the plaintiff developed a wound infection that required hospitalization and intensive
antibiotic treatment. The plaintiff continued to complain of abdominal pain and was further seen by a
gastroenterologist for testing. Hemorrhoids were discovered.
In March 1998, the plaintiffÆs continuing complaints were evaluated by Dilip Parekh, a USC surgeon. Tests
were ordered which were misinterpreted to suggest the possibility of a stone in the plaintiffsÆ right (non-
working) ureter and possible cancer in the plaintiffÆs left kidney. Upon learning of these tests, the defendant
took steps to correct the misinterpretation.
Also in March 1998, the plaintiff was seen by another USC urologist, John Stein. Dr. Stein concluded her
complaints of abdominal pain were not cause by her non-functioning kidney. Still complaining of severe pain,
this time in her lower back, the plaintiff decided to go elsewhere for care and went to a non-USC urologist,
Gene Ward in June 1998. Dr. Ward ordered a percutaneous nephrostomy and placement of nephrostomy tube.
This relieved all of the plaintiffÆs pain.
In June 1998, Dr. Ward surgically removed the plaintiffÆs non-functioning right kidney and blocked ureter. The
plaintiff states this cured the complaints sheÆd been having since September 1996. Pathologic examination of
the kidney revealed an incidental finding on non-metastatic cancer.
Specials in Evidence
$51,000
Deliberation
nine hours
Poll
10-2
Length
11 days
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