Trial Magazine

Doe, 41, was admitted to a hospital to deliver her second child. She elected to undergo a spinal epidural for pain management. Roe anesthesiologist allegedly administered a combined spinal epidural, which resulted in an immediate jolt and electric shock to Doe’s vagina, groin, and buttocks. Although Doe cried out in pain, Roe allegedly administered the spinal epidural a second time, leading to a severe electric shock to Doe’s vagina and down her left leg.

Doe was later diagnosed as having chronic neuropathic pain in her left perineum, sensory deficits in her left buttock and thigh, and lower back pain. She suffers from injury-related anxiety and depression and has been recommended to receive a spinal cord stimulator. Her past medical expenses were approximately $20,000.

Doe and her husband sued Roe as well as the hospital, alleging that Roe had negligently performed the procedure at L1, a level that was too high and resulted in injury to Doe’s conus medullaris. Suit did not claim lost income.

The parties settled for $1.95 million.

Citation: Doe v. Roe Anesthesiologist, Confidential Dkt. No. (Cal. Super. Ct. Riverside Cnty. Undisclosed Date).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Daniel M. Hodes and James A. Chortanian, both of Irvine, Calif.