Whinston v. Kaiser Foundation Hospital

In this medical malpractice case, defendants are two corporations and a partnership engaged in providing health care. Plaintiff was a patient of defendants’ agents: Dr. Porter, a gastroenterologist; Dr. Gregory, a psychiatrist; and Dr. Levine, a psychologist. Plaintiff claimed that these agents negligently treated his liver ailment.

At the close of plaintiffs case, the trial court directed verdicts for defendants on claims involving Dr. Gregory and Dr. Levine. Claims involving Dr. Porter, the gastroenterologist, were submitted to the jury. By general verdict, the jury awarded plaintiff…