A Los Angeles County jury returned a complete defense verdict following an eight-day jury trial in a hotly contested medical malpractice action arising from an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. The verdict marks Partner Ryan Deane's third defense trial victory in the past 18 months and further solidifies his reputation as a formidable trial advocate in complex personal injury/medical negligence cases.
The case drew attention within the medical malpractice and anesthesiology communities due to the allegations, the medical issues involved, and the broader implications for anesthesia decision-making in IVF procedures. Plaintiff alleged that she was administered a known allergen intravenously while under anesthesia, despite allegedly informing her anesthesiologist that she was deathly allergic to NSAIDs, specifically ibuprofen, and that any future exposure could be life-threatening. She claimed there was an express agreement that no pain medication would be administered while she was unconscious, that medical records were falsified to reflect a consent discussion that never occurred, and that the anesthesiologist knowingly violated her trust. Plaintiff further alleged severe physical reactions, emotional distress, loss of trust in physicians, and an impact on her ability to plan for a family.
Serving as solo trial counsel, Ryan Deane presented a disciplined and science-driven defense, establishing that the anesthesiologist conducted an appropriate pre-anesthesia risk-benefit discussion and selected a medication that, while within the broader NSAID class, was chemically distinct from ibuprofen and chosen for legitimate medical purposes. Those purposes included reducing post-operative pain and uterine cramping associated with IVF while avoiding the risks associated with opioid and narcotic alternatives.
A central theme of the defense focused on educating the jury regarding the critical medical distinction between a medication intolerance or sensitivity and a true IgE-mediated allergy that presents a risk of anaphylaxis. Through careful examination and methodical cross-examination, the defense successfully exposed inconsistencies and credibility gaps on the key issue of medication administration.
After deliberation, the jury rejected the plaintiff's theory in its entirety and returned a full defense verdict.
"This case ultimately came down to science, credibility, and trust," said Ryan. "The evidence showed that the anesthesiologist acted thoughtfully, responsibly, and in the patient's best interest. Educating the jury on complex medical concepts and separating fear from fact was critical, and I'm grateful the jury carefully evaluated the evidence and reached the right result."
"This result reflects exceptional trial advocacy," said Founding Partner Stephen Henning. "Ryan's command of the medicine, precision in presenting the facts, and ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, credible testimony for jurors was pivotal. Securing a third defense verdict in 18 months underscores his consistency and effectiveness in the courtroom."
The verdict stands as another significant win for WSHB and reinforces the importance of evidence-based medical decision-making and careful jury education in complex malpractice litigation.
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