Case ID: f-appx_341/html/0971-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "PER CURIAM: \n    ", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Julia Maritza PAZ, Individually and on Behalf of Her Minor Children; Lionel Paz, Individually and on Behalf of His Minor Children, Plaintiffs-Appellees-Cross-Appellants, v. OUR LADY OF LOURDES REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, INC.; Lawrence I. Russell, Defendants-Appellants-Cross-Appellees.
    No. 07-31166.
    United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit.
    Aug. 21, 2009.
    
      Marie Riccio Wisner, New Orleans, LA, for Plaintiff-Appellee.
    Patrick M. Wartelle, Roy, Bivins, Judice, Roberts & Wartelle, Lafayette, LA, for Defendant-Appellant.
    Before REAVLEY, SMITH, and DENNIS, Circuit Judges.
   PER CURIAM:

Julia Paz sued for medical malpractice and obtained a substantial award from the jury. Both sides appeal.

We have reviewed the briefs, the applicable law, and pertinent portions of the record and have heard the arguments of counsel. There is no reversible error in regard to duty of care or liability. There is sufficient evidence to support the awarded damages.

The only reversible error is in the reduction of damages by the district court that resulted from the erroneous inclusion of Dr. Meza on the jury form. See La. R.S. 40:1299.41, — .47. The jury found damages of $200,000. For the remaining two defendants, 90% of that amount (which is $180,000) is awarded against the hospital, and 10% (which is $20,000) is awarded against Dr. Russell. Because of the state damage cap, the hospital must pay only $100,000 and Russell the full $20,000, leaving $80,000 to be sought from the state patient’s compensation fund. See La. R.S. 40:1299.42(B)(2).

The judgment is MODIFIED as indicated above. In all other respects, there being no reversible error, the judgment is AFFIRMED. 
      
       Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.