Date: 12-31-1998

Case Style: Doe v. O'Connell

Case Number: 32067

Judge: Unknown

Court: Circuit Court, Hampton County, Virginia

Plaintiff's Attorney: Avery T. Waterman, Jr., Newport News, Virginia

Defendant's Attorney: Unknown

Description: Medical malpractice - laparoscopic surgery to remove ovarian cyst resulted in bowel perforation and peritonitis. Plainntiff was 18-years-old and had a history of ovarian cysts which had been removed surgically. She was diagnosed by a general practitioner as having another cyst and was referred to defenedant for care and treatment. He recommended an performed the surgery and discharged the plaintiff who later developed fever, vomiting and pain. Emergency surgery was performed and gross contamination of the abdominal cavity was found. While the plaintiff recovered, she developed adhesions and has intermittent pain.

Outcome: Jury verdict for plaintiff for $1.25 million. (Later settled for $1 million.)

Plaintiff's Experts: Unknown

Defendant's Experts: Jon Crockford, Virginia Beach, Virginia, gynecologist; James Schwayder, Denver, Colorado, gynecologist; William Mann, Newport News, Virginia, gynecologist; and Mark Hyde, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Comments: None