Date: 09-10-2013

Case Style: JOHN DOE V. JOHN DOE PHYSICIAN; CONFIDENTIAL MEDICAL CENTER; CONFIDENTIAL NURSING HOME/REHABILITATION CENTER(S)

Case Number:

Judge: Mediator Thomas Harris

Court: Superior Court, Washington

Plaintiff's Attorney: Thomas Vertetis & Elizabeth Calora of Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala

Defendant's Attorney: Not Available

Description: Plff, John Doe, decedent, male age 85, retired, survived by his adult children. Plff fell and fractured his hip in July 2008. He was taken to a hospital with complaints of lower extremity pain. No orthopedic consultation resulted from these complaints. The Def. doctor referred the patient to a rehabilitation center, where, despite nothing a leg length discrepancy, the physical therapists and other employees failed to refer the patient for further workup. The patient was then discharged home, where visiting physical therapists continued to manipulate his broken hip. His condition worsened, and he turned to the hospital where no x-rays were done. Weak, suffering from pneumonia and continuing pain, Plff was taken to an extended care center for palliative end-of-life care, where another physician immediately diagnosed him with a hip fracture. Plff succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter, and his children brought a wrongful death claim against the treating facilities

Outcome: Settled for $437,500.00.

Plaintiff's Experts: Theodore Becker Ph.D.; Deanna Johnson RN (Nursing)

Defendant's Experts: Demi Haffenreffer RN (Nursing)

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