Confidential settlement between Desai, ex-patient ordered sealed

A district judge Tuesday agreed to seal a confidential settlement between Dr. Dipak Desai and a patient infected with hepatitis C.

But Judge David Wall did not rule on the doctor's motion to approve the settlement reached with Michael Washington, one of nine patients suing the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada whose infections were genetically linked.

In a legal twist, Desai objects to the settlement, claiming it was made by his malpractice insurer without his consent.

In his decision to seal the settlement, Wall said such confidential agreements are singled out for such protection under Nevada Supreme Court rules. Wall's order required Washington's lawyers to share the settlement agreement with several drug manufacturers named in the lawsuit.

A hearing on whether to approve the settlement was postponed until Oct. 20.