Date: 07-30-2001

Case Style: Heather Sullivan v. Norman Shorr, M.D.

Case Number: SC061261

Judge: Linda K. Lefkowitz

Court: Superior Court, Los Angeles County, California

Plaintiff's Attorney: Johnna J. Hansen of the Law Offices of Booth & Koskoff, Torrance, California

Defendant's Attorney: William Ginsburg of Cotkin, Collins & Ginsburg, Los Angeles, California

Description: Medical malpractice - cosmetic surgery - On August 31, 1999, plaintiff went to Dr. Norman Shorr, M.D. for upper and lower lip blepharoplasty. Plaintiff was a 39-year-old singer, songwriter who basically wanted to "have her lids done." Almost immediately following surgery, plaintiff developed double vision and tortional rotation of the objects seen with the right eye. Subsequent revision surgery by plaintiff medical expert, Alfred Sadun, M.D., was only able to restore about 70% normal vision in the affected eye.

Plaintiff claimed that Dr. Shorr inject at or near the trochlea in the upper right eyelid for the purpose of local anesthetic and such injection violated the standard of care as it was too close to the trochlea and nerve damage ensued.

Plaintiff developed double vision and tortional rotation of all objects with the right eye. Plaintiff had to wear prism glassed for approximately one and on-half years. Underwent surgery in April 2001 to correct the problem and that surgery was successful in restoring approximately 70% of the vision to the affected eye.

Dr. Shorr denied that he made the injection at or near the trochlea and that plaintiff's superior oblique palsy was caused by a diabetic microvascular lesion. Plaintiff had type 2 diabetes.

Plaintiff claimed approximately $50,000 in loss of earning and earning capacity; $16,5000 in non-collateral medical specials.

Outcome: Plianitff's verdict for $300,000 in general damages plus $23,500 in total specials; reduced to $273,500 per MICRA.

Plaintiff's Experts: Dr. Alfred Sadun, M.D., subsequent treating physician.

Defendant's Experts: Unknown

Comments: None