Denver VA: Army veteran awarded $130,000 for clamp left in his chest

[unhappycamper]

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_15834692">Army veteran awarded $130,000 for clamp left in his chest
By Felisa Cardona
The Denver Post
Posted: 08/20/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT
Updated: 08/20/2010 02:19:17 AM MDT

Richard Kellar, an Aurora Army veteran who had a surgical clamp left inside his chest following triple-bypass surgery at the Denver Veterans Affairs hospital, was awarded $130,000 in damages by a federal judge Thursday.

Kellar, 61, was disappointed, said his attorney, Derek Cole.

Kellar initially filed a claim against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for $15 million for pain and suffering. Before trial, the government had offered him a $100,000 settlement.

Chief U.S. District Judge Wiley Y. Daniel heard testimony during the three-day trial and issued a ruling from the bench.

"We believe the compensation ordered by the judge is fair and reasonable," said Jeff Dorschner, spokesman for the Colorado U.S. attorney.