Jury Rejects Medical Negligence Claim Against LA Doctor | Jurimatic by Exlitem | Jury Verdicts & Settlements

Gabriel Blanc vs. Adventist Health California Medical Group, Inc., et al.

Case Background

On October 4, 2021, Gabriel Blanc filed a medical negligence lawsuit in California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. The case involves claims of medical malpractice and negligent care at White Memorial Medical Center on August 5, 2020, which allegedly resulted in the permanent loss of vision in his left eye. Judges Richard L. Fruin and Michael E. Whitaker presided over this lawsuit. [Case number: 21STCV36412]

Cause

Gabriel Blanc, a resident of Los Angeles County, sustained injuries and alleged negligence in his medical care. On August 5, 2020, Blanc was attacked by his roommate, who struck him on the left side of his face with a steel crowbar. The assault fractured the orbit around his left eye. Fearing retaliation, Blanc falsely told White Memorial Medical Center staff that he had walked into a glass door. At White Memorial, Stephen J. Liu M.D., John Plosay M.D., and Daniela Morato M.D. examined Blanc. Despite observing left eye proptosis, they failed to measure intraocular pressure or perform critical procedures, such as a lateral canthotomy and cantholysis. These omissions led to irreversible vision loss in Blanc’s left eye. Blanc underwent CT scans, which confirmed the orbital fracture, yet the necessary treatment was not provided. He waited in the emergency department for eight hours without proper care. Later that evening, Blanc was transferred to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. There, he learned that the delayed treatment at White Memorial caused his vision loss. Medical staff informed him that timely intervention could have prevented the blindness in his left eye. Blanc also alleged negligence on the part of White Memorial Medical Center for failing to monitor and ensure the qualifications of its medical staff. He attributed his injuries to substandard care by the named doctors and other unnamed healthcare providers. On July 9, 2021, Blanc notified the defendants of his intent to file a lawsuit. He seeks accountability for the harm caused by the alleged medical negligence that left him permanently blind in his left eye.

Injury

Gabriel Blanc suffered significant harm and permanent disability due to the negligence of the Defendants. As a direct result, he permanently lost vision in his left eye. This impairment also caused a complete loss of depth perception, as his vision is now limited to one eye. Consequently, Blanc faces ongoing challenges in judging distances and perceiving depth in his surroundings.

Damages

Due to the Defendants' negligence, Plaintiff allegedly incurred significant medical, hospital, and related expenses and expected these costs to continue. Furthermore, the incident impacted his career as an art dealer and traveling salesman of exotic and gourmet food products. The loss of vision in his left eye, which was critical for depth perception, made it impossible for him to drive extensively throughout Southern California to display and sell merchandise. This vision loss also negatively impacted his ability to work as an artist and art dealer. As a result, the Plaintiff experienced a loss of earnings and a diminished earning capacity. These injuries caused significant mental, physical, and emotional pain and suffering.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

Plaintiff(s): Gabriel Blanc
- Counsel for Plaintiff(s): J. Owen Murrin | Breanna Ha

Defendant(s): Daniela Morato, M.D | Stephen J. Liu, M.D. | John Plosay III, M.D. | White Memorial Medical Center dba Adventist Health White Memorial
- Counsel for Defendant(s): Michael J. Trotter | Michael E. de Coster | James J. Kjar | Alexandra C. Martino | Hayden K. Soria

Claims

First Cause of Action: Negligent Medical Malpractice

On August 5, 2020, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Gabriel Blanc sought emergency medical treatment at White Memorial Medical Center. He relied on the expertise of the attending physicians, Stephen J. Liu, John Plosay, Daniela Morato, and others, to diagnose and treat the injuries to his head, face, and left eye caused by a violent assault. The medical staff diagnosed proptosis in his left eye but failed to perform necessary procedures, such as a lateral canthotomy and cantholysis, to address the condition. Despite Blanc being alert and reporting vision loss in his left eye, the defendants did not take timely action. Their negligence caused him to lose vision in his left eye permanently.

Second Cause of Action: Vicarious Liability of White Memorial Medical Center

Blanc and his companion, Angelina Corrieri, drove to White Memorial Medical Center immediately after the assault, trusting the facility's reputation for emergency care. They reasonably believed the hospital was equipped and staffed to handle serious trauma. Upon arrival, Blanc was admitted within minutes but was not informed that his treating physicians were independent contractors rather than hospital employees. In severe pain and unable to read any documents provided, Blanc assumed the physicians were hospital staff. As a result, White Memorial Medical Center is vicariously liable for the negligence of Liu, Plosay, and Morato.

Third Cause of Action: Corporate Negligence of White Memorial Medical Center

White Memorial Medical Center had a duty to ensure its medical staff was competent and adequately trained. The hospital failed to monitor the qualifications and performance of Liu, Plosay, and Morato, who neglected to provide the standard of care. This failure contributed to Blanc’s permanent vision loss. The hospital is directly liable for breaching its duty to protect patients and maintain high standards of care.

Defense

The Defendants denied allegations of medical negligence and breach of standard of care in Blanc's treatment. At the time of trial, only Defendant Daniela Morato remained.

Jury Verdict

On October 15, 2024, the jury found that Defendant Daniela Morato was not negligent in the treatment and diagnosis of Plaintiff Blanc. Accordingly, no damages were awarded and a judgment consistent with the verdict was entered.

Court Documents:

Documents are available for purchase upon request at [email protected]

Jury Sides With LA Doctor in Medical Negligence Case Alleging Breach of Standard of Care