UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT DECISIONS ON-LINE

TEMPLE V. SYNTHES CORP., LTD., 498 U. S. 5 (1990)

498 U. S. 5

U.S. Supreme Court

Temple v. Synthes Corp., Ltd., 498 U.S. 5 (1990)

Temple v. Synthes Corporation, Ltd.

No. 90-295

Decided Nov. 5, 1990

498 U.S. 5

ON PETITION FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED

STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT

PER CURIAM.

Petitioner Temple, a Mississippi resident, underwent surgery in October, 1986, in which a "plate and screw device" was implanted in his lower spine. The device was manufactured by respondent Synthes, Ltd. (U.S.A.) (Synthes), a Pennsylvania corporation. Dr. S. Henry LaRocca performed the surgery at St. Charles General Hospital in New Orleans, clubjuris

Page 498 U. S. 6

Louisiana. Following surgery, the device's screws broke off inside Temple's back.

Temple filed suit against Synthes in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The suit, which rested on diversity jurisdiction, alleged defective design and manufacture of the device. At the same time, Temple filed a state administrative proceeding against Dr. LaRocca and the hospital for malpractice and negligence. At the conclusion of the administrative proceeding, Temple filed suit against the doctor and the hospital in Louisiana state court.


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