Reversal of defense verdict for doctor injured by police failure to allow medical care

Harb v. City of Bakersfield (2015) 233 Cal.App.4th 606
Plaintiff, a neonatologist, suffered a stroke and needed immediate medical care. Police negligently concluded that he was drunk and sent away ambulance, delaying care. He survived, but with mental status of a 4-year old. Obtained reversal of defense verdict based on instructional error. Court held, in a matter of first impression, that first responders in California cannot assert a comparative-fault defense against the plaintiff based on the circumstances that caused the plaintiff to require the first-responder’s assistance.