Medical Malpractice

The wrongful death case of Theod Simonian, et al. v. Glendale Adventist Medical Center, et al. stemmed from the 2018 death of 77-year-old Razmi Simon. After a hip surgery at Glendale Adventist, Simon’s health declined rapidly following chest pain, a heart attack, kidney failure, and cardiac arrest. His family alleged malpractice, negligence, and wrongful death, claiming hospital staff ignored warning signs and mishandled his care. Defendants, including physicians and Adventist Health, denied liability, arguing Simon’s age and health complications explained his decline. On August 21, 2025, a Los Angeles jury returned a defense verdict, finding no negligence by Dr. Michael Abdulian or Dr. Vahe Badalian. The Simon family did not receive compensation.

In Milford, Connecticut, a Superior Court jury delivered a verdict in favor of Dr. Joel W. Malin and Orthopaedic Specialty Group, P.C. in a medical malpractice lawsuit brought by John Fitzpatrick. Filed on December 14, 2021, the complaint accused Dr. Malin and his employer of failing to meet the accepted medical standard of care, allegedly causing Fitzpatrick serious and permanent injuries. The Court had earlier granted a 90-day extension to the statute of limitations in May 2021, allowing the case to move forward. Fitzpatrick’s legal team argued that Malin’s medical decisions were careless and a substantial factor in the plaintiff’s harm. The defense denied all negligence claims, admitting only that Malin had performed surgery on Fitzpatrick as part of his employment. After weighing expert testimony and legal arguments, the jury ruled on September 10, 2025, in favor of the defendants, finding no malpractice occurred. As a result, Fitzpatrick received no damages. The verdict reinforced the high burden of proof required in medical negligence cases and the importance of demonstrating a clear breach of the standard of care.

In October 2020, 11-year-old Ava Wilson, in remission from leukemia, visited Advocate Children’s Hospital for outpatient care. Days later, she died of morphine toxicity. Her family alleged the hospital prescribed excessive morphine without proper monitoring, leading to Ava’s preventable death. A Cook County jury found the hospital negligent and awarded the family $20.5 million in damages for their loss. The verdict underscored the importance of strict medication protocols and careful monitoring in pediatric care settings.

Glenda Harrison, entered NeuroRestorative California in November 2023 for therapy and wound care. Despite known risks of aspiration, staff allegedly failed to provide suctioning, monitor oxygen levels, or transfer her to a hospital. She suffered respiratory failure, aspiration pneumonia, sepsis, and an anoxic brain injury, leaving her in a coma. Plaintiffs claimed elder abuse, negligence, and willful misconduct. Defendants denied liability and raised multiple defenses. On May 29, 2025, the parties reached a $3.5 million settlement.

A Connecticut jury awarded $8,000,000.05 to John Gallagher, administrator of his late wife Maura’s estate, after finding Stamford Hospital and affiliated doctors negligent in her care. Maura, 38 and expecting twins, showed clear signs of preeclampsia before her May 2017 C-section. The lawsuit alleged delayed delivery, mismanaged symptoms, and failure to recognize a seizure led to a fatal brain hemorrhage. The jury concluded that systemic failures deprived her of a chance to survive and caused profound loss to her husband, newborn twins, and family.

A Utah jury awarded $951 million to the Zancanella family after finding Steward Health Care and Jordan Valley Medical Center liable for negligent labor and delivery care in October 2019. The court ruled that systemic staffing failures, delayed Cesarean delivery, and poor fetal monitoring caused newborn Azaylee’s permanent brain damage. The record-breaking verdict included economic, non-economic, and punitive damages, highlighting hospital accountability for obstetric safety.

Peter and Rebecca Risi sued podiatrist Dr. Jonathan Key and Connecticut Foot and Ankle Associates, claiming a 2019-foot surgery caused lasting nerve damage, chronic pain, and loss of marital companionship. They argued the radical fasciectomy was unnecessary and performed negligently. The defense countered that the procedure met accepted standards and those complications were not proof of malpractice. After trial in October 2024, a New Haven jury found for the defendants on all counts, denying the Risis any damages and highlighting the challenges of proving medical negligence.

Francisco Genao sued Dr. Dahlia Plummer, Dr. Joseph Santoro, and Danbury Hospital after a stroke he claimed was preventable. He argued the doctors failed to act on scans showing severe artery blockage, and the hospital failed in oversight. After years of litigation, a Stamford jury sided with Danbury Radiological Associates, ruling against Genao. The verdict left him without compensation for his lifelong injuries and marked a significant win for the defense.

The case of Dirgo v. Chin began with an eye surgery that left the patient with lasting complications. On February 26, 2019, Michael Dirgo of Ellington went to Ratchford Eye Center in Berlin, Connecticut, for a procedure called a laser iridotomy. The surgery was performed by ophthalmologist Dr. Daniel W. Chin, who was then practicing at the Eye Center.A laser iridotomy is a common treatment used to relieve pressure in the eye by creating a small opening in the iris. Dirgo expected the surgery would improve his eye health and preserve his vision. Instead, he began to suffer light sensitivity, glare, halos, and headaches almost immediately afterward. Despite repeated follow-up visits, his symptoms continued for years. By 2022, he sought a second opinion at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, where he was told the procedure had been performed incorrectly.Dirgo filed his lawsuit in April 2023, naming both Dr. Chin and Ratchford Eye Center as Defendants. He claimed medical n

John Wilson sued Santa Clara County and Dr. Ken Miyazato, alleging repeated dental X-rays caused cataracts and blindness. He claimed negligence, patient rights violations, and fraud, seeking lost wages and damages. Defendants argued the lawsuit was barred by the Government Claims Act, immunity, and time limits. On May 20, 2025, the Superior Court sustained their demurrer without leave to amend, dismissing Wilson’s case and ordering each side to bear its own costs.

The family of Taniel Nishanian reached a $550,000 settlement with Los Angeles County over his death following a CT-guided liver biopsy at Keck Medical Center. They alleged negligent performance and follow-up care by Dr. Ramon Ter-Oganesyan caused fatal injuries. The County denies wrongdoing, citing defenses including comparative fault and legal immunities. Settlement awaits approval by the County’s Claims Board and Board of Supervisors.

In a dental negligence lawsuit filed by Bonnie Allison, the plaintiff alleged improper tooth extractions by Dr. Robert Wilde led to a retained root and sinus perforation. She sought nearly $1 million in damages. The defense denied all material claims and raised multiple affirmative defenses. On May 1, 2025, the jury found in favor of Dr. Wilde, awarding no damages and rejecting all allegations of malpractice.