UCI Medical Center Settles Chemo Injury Suit for $1.75M
Table of Contents
Case Background
Bosco Tran and his wife, Irene Tran, brought a medical negligence lawsuit against UCI Medical Center, operated by the Regents of the University of California. The case centered on an incident that occurred during Bosco Tran’s chemotherapy treatment on March 4, 2022, at the hospital’s Orange County facility.
According to the complaint, Bosco arrived for a scheduled infusion session. During the administration of chemotherapy, he experienced immediate and severe pain at the IV site in his right arm. Despite his reaction, two separate medications were infused before the IV was removed. Hours later, his arm began to swell, and the pain intensified. Within days, blisters formed, and fluid leaked from the wounds.
He returned to the emergency room on March 10, 2022, showing classic signs of extravasation a dangerous condition caused when chemotherapy drugs leak into surrounding tissue. The ER staff discharged him without proper intervention. His arm injuries worsened, leaving him with lasting pain, scarring, and reduced mobility.
Cause
The Trans alleged that UCI Medical Center and its medical staff failed to meet the accepted standard of care. They claimed the IV insertion and chemotherapy administration were performed negligently and that the follow-up treatment was inadequate. The hospital’s failure to diagnose and respond to extravasation promptly, they said, caused avoidable and severe tissue injury.
Injury
Bosco Tran sustained deep tissue burns and skin necrosis on his right arm. The affected area developed blistering, swelling, and scarring that required extensive medical attention. The complaint described permanent physical disfigurement, chronic pain, and emotional trauma. Irene Tran, his wife, claimed loss of consortium, citing the impact of her husband’s injuries on their marital relationship and shared activities.
Damages Sought
The Plaintiffs sought compensation for:
Past and future medical expenses, including surgeries and rehabilitation
Lost earnings and loss of earning capacity
Pain, suffering, emotional distress, and physical disfigurement
Damages for loss of consortium
The total damages claimed were to be determined at trial based on proof.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiffs: Bosco Tran | Irene Tran
· Counsel for Plaintiffs: Diana N. Connaughton | Benjamin T. Ikuta | Michelle B. Hemesath
Defendant: The Regents of the University of California (sued as UCI Medical Center)
· Counsel for Defendant: Louise M. Douville | Matthew A. Yarvis
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
The Plaintiffs’ attorneys argued that the hospital’s nursing and medical team failed to act with the competence expected of licensed professionals. They emphasized that Bosco’s immediate pain during the infusion was an early warning of extravasation, which the staff ignored. The complaint alleged that the subsequent delay in diagnosis and treatment led to serious tissue destruction that could have been prevented.
Counsel for the defense denied all allegations, asserting that the care met professional standards. They argued that any injury Bosco suffered was either the natural result of his underlying medical condition or a known risk of chemotherapy treatment, not negligence. The defense also contended that the Plaintiffs’ claims were barred by the statute of limitations and that Bosco contributed to his own injuries by failing to follow post-treatment instructions.
Claims
Medical Negligence:
The Plaintiffs alleged that UCI Medical Center’s staff failed to properly insert and monitor the IV, recognize extravasation symptoms, and administer timely treatment. This, they said, constituted a breach of the standard of care that directly caused Bosco’s injuries.
Loss of Consortium:
Irene Tran’s claim focused on how her husband’s injuries permanently altered their marital relationship. She described loss of companionship, emotional support, and shared activities due to his pain and physical limitations.
Defense
The defense raised several affirmative defenses. It denied all wrongdoing, maintaining that the hospital provided reasonable and lawful care. The Regents claimed:
The lawsuit was time-barred under California’s medical malpractice statute of limitations.
Any damages should be limited under MICRA (Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act) caps on noneconomic losses.
If negligence existed, it was attributable to other unnamed third parties or to Bosco himself.
The injuries were the “natural or expected result” of chemotherapy, not evidence of malpractice.
The defense also cited comparative negligence and sought to reduce any potential judgment proportionally to Bosco’s alleged fault.
Settlement
As the case approached trial in 2024, both sides agreed to a confidential settlement. On March 27, 2024, the Plaintiffs filed a Notice of Settlement of Entire Case in the Orange County Superior Court. The agreement brought the lawsuit to a close before trial.
According to Court filings, the settlement amount was $1,750,000. The payment resolved all claims of medical negligence and loss of consortium against the Regents of the University of California, doing business as UCI Medical Center. Neither party admitted wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
The resolution spared both sides from a lengthy jury trial and uncertain verdict. For Bosco and Irene Tran, the settlement offered closure after two years of litigation and more than a year of medical recovery. For the Regents, it helped avoid extended exposure and trial publicity surrounding the alleged chemotherapy injury.
Court documents are available upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com