Discovery Referee
- Plaintiff’s decedent had a complicated medical history of mixed connective tissue disease including systemic lupus, Sjogrens, Raynauds Disease, and fibromyalgia. She also had a history of depression, anemia, lung disease, joint pain, hyperkalemia and bilateral hip replacements due to avascular necrosis. During her admission, the decedent asked to use the bedpan to urinate, Allegedly the nurses left the bedrails down. The nurse gave the patient privacy per request, but heard her fall. She injured her head and was found to have a subdural hematoma. Intracranial pressure rose and the patient obtunded and died despite surgical efforts. The parties each obtained a protective order for depositions because of harassing and threatening questions, improper speaking objections and witness coaching.