Professional Negligence Law Reporter
Medicine
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Negligent handling of patient’s leg during surgery
September/October 2021Gloria Mikeler, 93, underwent surgery to repair a broken right hip. While she was being positioned in a surgical boot before the procedure, she suffered a large skin tear on her left lower leg. As a result, she incurred approximately $20,800 in medical expenses and $20,000 in caregiving expenses.
Mikeler sued Los Angeles Orthopaedic Institute, alleging its physician assistant negligently handled her leg while placing it in the surgical boot.
The jury awarded more than $165,800.
Citation: Mikeler v. Los Angeles Orthopaedic Inst., No. 20STCV34600 (Cal. Super. Ct. Los Angeles Cty. June 9, 2021).
Plaintiff counsel: Benjamin T. Ikuta and Michelle B. Hemesath, both of Irvine, Calif.
Plaintiff expert: Manzar Kuraishi, primary care, Burbank, Calif.
Defense expert: Kevin Ehrhart, orthopedic surgery, Santa Monica, Calif.
