On Feb. 26, 2016, plaintiff Stacey Walfoort, 41, a physician’s office manager, underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy at the Patient’s Hospital of Redding. The procedure was performed by obstetrician Dr. Cheryl Serr, and it was a challenge because of severe pelvic congestion syndrome and friable tissue. Prior to the surgery, Walfoort experienced recurrent menorrhagia (abnormally long or heavy periods), recurrent dysmenorrhea (painful periods or menstrual cramps) and uterine fibroids. On March 10, 2016, which was 13 days after the surgery, Walfoort was hospitalized in critical condition. During her hospitalization, eight liters of urine were removed from her abdominal cavity and she underwent a cystoscopy, which revealed a 5 to 6 centimeter laceration of the bladder requiring repair. Walfoort claimed that her bladder was lacerated during the surgery by Serr. Walfoort sued Serr and the operator of the Patients’ Hospital of Redding, Dr. James Tate. Walfoort alleged that Serr was negligent in the performance of the surgery and that Serr’s negligence constituted medical malpractice. She also alleged that Tate was liable for Serr’s actions. Tate agreed to settle with Walfoort to resolve the claims against the hospital. As a result, Tate was dismissed prior to the commencement of trial. Defense counsel contended that Serr appropriately performed the surgery. The defense’s expert obstetrician testified that Walfoort’s bladder was still patent (or open) and functioning three days post-surgery when Walfoort was discharged from the hospital. The expert opined that the tear in the bladder occurred after discharge as a result of delayed tissue breakdown due to a thermal injury to the bladder during surgery., Walfoort sustained a 5 to 6 centimeter laceration of the bladder, causing the need to have eight liters of urine removed from her abdominal cavity. A cystoscopy was performed to examine the lining of the bladder, and Walfoort’s condition was discovered. She ultimately underwent surgery to repair the bladder and an additional surgery to address pelvic pain. Walfoort claimed that she continues to have pelvic pain. She claimed that she attempted to return to work after the surgeries, but that she was unable to continue her employment because of sequelae from the bladder injury. She claimed that she suffers wage loss in the range of $1 million. She also sought recovery of damages for past and future pain and suffering. Walfoort’s husband, Guy Walfoort, presented a derivative claim, seeking recovery for his loss of consortium.