DeCastris v. Gutta

This action was brought to recover damages occasioned by the alleged medical negligence of the defendants in treating the plaintiff, Muriel DeCastris. Trial proceeded on plaintiff’s third-amended complaint against only defendant Gandhi Gutta, M.D. Dr. Gutta severed plaintiff’s bile duct during gallbladder surgery in 1984, leading to a series of complications including pancreatitis, infections and the need for an external drain. Plaintiff requested in argument at trial that the jury award her $650,000; defendant suggested an award of $150,000. The jury returned a general verdict for plaintiff…