On Aug. 8, 2012, plaintiff Jesus Ruiz, 37, a driver, presented to a hospital operated by the county of Los Angeles for a surgical procedure. Following surgery, Ruiz received pain medication via a patient-controlled analgesia pump (PCA). Thereafter, Ruiz experienced respiratory arrest, causing him to suffer a brain injury. Ruiz sued the county of Los Angeles. Plaintiff’s counsel asserted that Ruiz’s pain medications caused his respiratory arrest, which led to Ruiz’s neurological . Counsel contended that the county hospital negligently monitored Ruiz’s this pain medication, causing an overdose of drugs and precipitating a respiratory arrest. Defense counsel contended that the medication overdose via the PCA pump was caused by family members inappropriately pressing the PCA release button., Ruiz experienced respiratory arrest, resulting in anoxic encephalopathy, a condition where brain tissue is deprived of oxygen, resulting in a global loss of brain function. As a result, he was left with permanent brain damage and neurological impairment. Ruiz sought recovery of damages for his medical expenses, lost wages, and past and future pain and suffering. His wife, plaintiff Maria Ruiz, sought recovery of damages for her loss of consortium.