Kelly Chambliss v. Coastal Area Health Education Center and Julie Ramsey

This was a medical malpractice action filed in March, 2003, alleging that the defendants breached the standard of care by using 2 day old, unwashed sperm from an unknown male in an insemination procedure, instead of the donor sperm purchased by the plaintiff from a sperm bank. The Complaint sought compensatory and punitive damages. In February, 2004, summary judgment on the liability issues was entered, leaving on the issues of compensatory/punitive damages for trial. The defendant contended that there was nothing "willful or wanton" about their conduct; contended that, given that there were no permanent "physical" injuries, that the plaintiff's damages were nominal.