[DOWNLOAD] "Melba Guin v. Young H. Ha" by Supreme Court of Alaska ~ Book PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Melba Guin v. Young H. Ha
- Author : Supreme Court of Alaska
- Release Date : January 16, 1979
- Genre: Law,Books,Professional & Technical,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 64 KB
Description
BOOCHEVER, Justice. OPINION. This case arises out of a medical malpractice suit brought by Melba Guin, appellant, against Young H. Ha, M.D., appellee. The principal issue raised on appeal requires us to determine if an insurer is liable for prejudgment interest which, when added to liability damages, exceeds the limitation on liability under the applicable insurance contract. This narrow issue is one of first impression in Alaska. A subsidiary question involves the determination of the proper rate of interest under Alaska's general interest statute. We have concluded that the insurer is not liable for prejudgment interest in excess of policy limits, and we do not reach the subsidiary issue. Dr. Young H. Ha performed surgery upon Melba Guin on or about July 8, 1974. In the course of the surgery, Dr. Ha accidentally severed the radial nerve in Guin's right arm, partially paralyzing her right hand. In June of 1975, Guin brought suit against Ha to recover damages for the injuries she sustained as a result of the operation. Dr. Ha's answer denied liability. After partial discovery and pretrial skirmishing, the parties entered into settlement negotiations and reached a tentative settlement agreement which fixed damages at $150,000.00.