(Pc) Antonio Gutierrez V. California Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation, Et Al

Case Background

On August 13, 2020, Antonio Gutierrez Jr., an inmate at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison, filed a lawsuit against Nurse Margarita Sandoval. The prison civil rights lawsuit claimed Sandoval’s failure to provide adequate care caused permanent nerve damage to Gutierrez’s face.

The medical negligence lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court, California Eastern (Fresno). It was assigned to District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff and referred to Magistrate Judge Erica P. Grosjean. [Case number: 1:20cv1130]

Cause

Antonio Gutierrez Jr., a California inmate, experienced sudden neurological symptoms on August 17, 2019. Around 7:30 p.m., the right side of his face became numb while he was alone in his cell at the California Correctional Institution (CCI). Concerned, he alerted Correctional Officers Robert Miller and Dylan Stuart, who noticed his facial droop and sent him to the medical clinic.

At the clinic, Nurse Sandoval greeted Gutierrez with alleged annoyance and fatigue. He explained his inability to move or feel the right side of his face and described other alarming symptoms. Despite his concerns, Sandoval performed a brief examination, reviewed his medical history, dismissed his condition as minor, and advised him to drink water. She allegedly did not document the visit or contact an on-call physician.

Gutierrez returned to his cell, skeptical of the advice but followed it, drinking large amounts of water. The symptoms persisted. The following Monday, Corrections Officer Steven Cacciola noticed Gutierrez’s facial droop and escorted him to the clinic. This time, Dr. Faye Montegrande diagnosed him with Bell’s palsy, noting that the delayed treatment likely made his symptoms permanent. Despite receiving medication, Gutierrez later learned it was insufficient for effective treatment.

Gutierrez continued experiencing severe facial paralysis and chronic pain. Investigations revealed that Sandoval failed to document or adequately address his condition. Montegrande also neglected to record key details, compounding the oversight. These actions, marked by indifference and negligence, caused Gutierrez permanent nerve damage and emotional distress. Subsequent efforts to address the lapses highlighted systemic failures in providing timely and adequate care.

Injuries

Gutierrez experienced permanent nerve damage, leaving the right side of his cheek partially numb and his smile uneven. He also faced lasting physical disabilities, including facial pain, numbness, paralysis, and persistent twitching. These ongoing symptoms caused significant emotional distress and greatly impacted his quality of life.

The combination of physical limitations and emotional suffering disrupted Gutierrez’s ability to work and pursue a fulfilling life.

Damages

Gutierrez requested economic damages to cover his financial losses. He also sought non-economic damages for the pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by his permanent injury. These damages included the loss of health, enjoyment of life, and the fear, depression, and frustration tied to his condition and its physical limitations.

He asked for reasonable attorney’s fees where permitted by law and reimbursement for lawsuit costs. He also sought pre-judgment and post-judgment interest to address delays in compensation. Additionally, he pursued punitive damages, arguing that Sandoval’s reckless and indifferent treatment deserved further penalties. Finally, he asked the Court to grant any other relief it found fair and appropriate.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Antonio Gutierrez Jr.
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Benjamin Laurence Pavone
  • Defendant(s): Margarita Sandoval (Registered Nurse at CCI)
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Janine K. Jeffery

Claims

Gutierrez filed claims alleging violations of his Eighth Amendment rights and medical malpractice due to Nurse Sandoval’s actions. He argued that her deliberate indifference to his medical needs constituted cruel and unusual punishment and that her care fell grossly below acceptable medical standards.

On August 17, 2019, Gutierrez presented symptoms of facial drooping, numbness, paralysis, and pain. These signs, which corrections officers recognized as serious, suggested a possible stroke or Bell’s palsy. Despite this, Sandoval, the attending nurse, failed to provide meaningful care. She did not consult a physician, administer tests, or prescribe treatment. Instead, she told Gutierrez to drink water and return to his cell, delaying proper care for over 40 hours.

Gutierrez claimed this delay violated his constitutional right to adequate medical care. He also alleged that Sandoval’s failure to act demonstrated deliberate indifference, as she ignored clear indicators of a medical emergency. Her inaction left him without timely treatment, diminishing his chances of recovery. Bell’s palsy requires immediate treatment with steroids and antivirals to prevent permanent damage, yet Sandoval failed to initiate this critical intervention.

In his medical malpractice claim, Gutierrez argued that Sandoval’s actions fell far below the standard of care. She did not conduct a thorough examination, rule out other conditions, or document the visit, which are essential steps in diagnosing and treating Bell’s palsy. Her failure to address his symptoms caused permanent nerve damage

Defense

Nurse Sandoval raised several affirmative defenses. She argued that the complaint failed to state valid claims and that she acted in good faith, entitling her to qualified immunity. She claimed that Plaintiff’s claims were limited by the Prison Litigation Reform Act and barred for failure to exhaust administrative remedies. The negligence claim conflicted with the Government Claim form, and Nurse Sandoval justified her actions.

She contended that Plaintiff’s lack of reasonable care reduced or eliminated damages and that the alleged condition resulted naturally from treatment, negating malpractice liability. She argued that recovery was further limited by state statutes and that collateral source payments reduced claims. Nurse Sandoval asserted immunity from negligence under state law and stated that third parties caused Plaintiff’s injuries. She claimed that she did not breach any duty, as the harm was beyond her control, and that a doctor’s failure to medicate was an intervening cause.

Jury Verdict

On November 20, 2024, the jury found that Gutierrez did have a serious medical need which Sandoval failed to address and treat properly. However, it was determined that Sandoval’s negligence was not a substantial factor in causing harm to the Plaintiff.  A consistent judgment was entered.

Court Documents:

Available upon request