Nature of Proceedings: Motion Bifurcation Defendant Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital’s motion to bifurcate its liability from all other issues

Ruling:
Denied

Analysis:

Plaintiff Keith Berry’s claims for professional negligence arise out of surgery performed by defendant David Laub, M.D., at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital on April 18, 2011, to remove a cyst from his kidney. He has alleged that defendants were negligent in diagnosis, treatment, supervision and monitoring, resulting in irreparable damage to Keith’s kidney, immune system and other organs. As a direct result of the negligence, Keith had his right kidney removed and suffered a perforated bowel, several abscesses, bacterial infection, severe vomiting, severe pain, sleeplessness, hopelessness and fear of death. Plaintiff Tina Berry brings a claim for loss of consortium against both defendants.

Defendant Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH) seeks an order bifurcating the trial of plaintiffs’ claims against it sepa