Karen Reiman, Sharon Tremoulis v. Life Care Centers of America, Inc.
Published: Jul. 12, 2001 | Result Date: Feb. 27, 2001 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: CV9815981 – $0
Judge
Court
Maricopa Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Kathryn Locatell M.D.
(medical)
Defendant
Irving Rollingher
(medical)
Facts
The plaintiffs' father, the decedent, Donald Rauch, 76, was admitted to the Payson Care Center in January 1996 after suffering from dementia, chronic pulmonary disease, malnutrition and other ailments. His health declined even more after falling and breaking his hip on May 26 while visiting his home. Despite the severity of worsening of the patient's pressure ulcers, some of which deteriorated to a Stage IV and were foul-smelling and necrotic, Dr. Hatch only saw the patient on one occassion in June 1996. He did not see the patient prior to the patient's transfer to Mesa Family Hospice on Aug. 10, 1996. Dr. Hatch's physician assistant did not examine the patient's pressure ulcers and allowed him to be transferred to the Hospice in Mesa. Soon after, the patient and his wife advised doctors not to perform any more survival methods. The patient died on Sept. 3, 1996. His Death Certificate states that the decedent died as a result of the infected pressure ulcers. The plaintiffs produced evidence of on the job drug usage and false charting at Payson Care Center. The plaintiffs contended that their father died as a result of pressure ulcers that were not treated by Dr. Hatch.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiffs collectively demanded $14.5 million. Dr. Hatch made no offers.
Injuries
The plaintiffs' father died.
Result
Defendants Payson and Life Care settled during the third day of trial subject to a confidentiality agreement.
Other Information
On the third day of trial, the defendants Payson and Life Care settled. The terms were confidential. Cherokee Rauch was not involved in this case, although she testified at trial that she did not think that Dr. Hatch or the nursing home committed malpractice. She also stated that she was aware of only one of the five pressure ulcers which her husband had developed during his residency at Payson Care Center.
Deliberation
one hour
Length
10 days
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