Virginia Lawyers Weekly VA Lawyers Weekly
Plaintiff, a 48-year-old female, underwent a laparoscopic hysterectomy, later converted to an open procedure, on Oct. 3, 2013, performed by the defendant OB-GYN and his partner.
In the three days following surgery, plaintiff was unable to void, with suspicion of a bladder or ureteral injury. On Oct. 6, 2013, after an inconclusive cystogram on Oct. 5, 2013, a urologist took the plaintiff back to surgery, and discovered a 5 cm laceration in plaintiff’s bladder, as well as suture existing in the bladder. The bladder was repaired at this time, and bilateral ureteral stents were placed.
Thereafter, plaintiff was discharged from the hospital on Oct. 9, 2013, with a Foley catheter in place, which remained in place for approximately a four-month period.
After the bladder repair, the plaintiff developed a vesicovaginal fistula, which was ultimately repaired by another urologist in January of 2014.
Plaintiff continues to experience difficulty in voiding, increased frequency of urinary tract infections, as well of overactive bladder conditions.
The jury deliberated for about two hours before returning with a plaintiff’s verdict.
[19-T-011]Type of action: Medical Malpractice
Injuries alleged: Bladder injury sustained during laparoscopic/open hysterectomy
Court: Hampton Circuit Court
Tried before: Jury
Name of judge or mediator: Judge Christopher W. Hutton
Date resolved: Jan. 31, 2019
Verdict or settlement: Verdict
Amount: $1,010,910
Attorneys for plaintiff: Mark J. Favaloro, Virginia Beach; Gregory L. Sandler, Virginia Beach
Plaintiff’s experts: Jeffrey Soffer, MD, OB/GYN, Myron Murdock, MD, Urologist
