The Los Angeles Times
November  15, 2002
By Charles Ornstein

HMO Found Responsible in Man's Death

Attorney Michael Bidart, representing the family of Murray Rosenberg, alleged that Aetna US Healthcare acted in bad faith when it failed to ensure proper coordination of care for Rosenberg by contracted medical providers.A jury concluded that Aetna unreasonably withheld benefits when it failed to provide promised care and benefits, which the jury found to be a “substantial factor” in Rosenberg’s death.

The jury ordered the HMO to pay $426,000 for economic damages and pain and suffering, which was irrelevant because of a settlement agreement that was reached before the verdict was given.