Immediately after Doe, 47, underwent a total vaginal hysterectomy performed by surgeon Roe, she developed right flank pain. Subsequent testing led to additional surgery, which revealed that Doe’s ureter had been ligated or transected during the hysterectomy.
Doe required reimplantation of her ureter and continues to suffer chronic pain, which she manages with narcotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
Doe and her husband sued Roe, alleging negligent performance of the hysterectomy. The defendant argued that a ureteral injury is a known and accepted risk of the procedure.
The parties mediated a $1 million settlement.
Citation: Doe v. Roe, Confidential Dkt. No. (Confidential Jxn. June 22, 2012).
Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Daniel M. Hodes, Irvine, Calif.
Plaintiff experts: Philip Young, gynecology, San Diego; Standiford Helm, pain management, Laguna Hills, Calif.; and Anne Barnes, life-care planning, Glendale, Calif.
