The family of a woman who died while in the care of doctors affiliated with UC San Francisco hospital system has sued for malpractice, saying the University of California should pay because the doctors allegedly failed to diagnose bleeding on the brain.
Plaintiffs Arielle Hernandez, Kai Hernandez and Shane Hernandez filed suit on Feb. 2 in San Francisco County Superior Court against the Regents of the University of California (UC), as well as doctors Shuaib Raza, Joshua Ronen, Soo Shin, and unnamed others. The suit is accusing UC of malpractice in the wrongful death of Aurora Hernandez.
According to court documents, Aurora Hernandez arrived at UC on Nov. 8, 2021, complaining of a severe headache that was documented as a "thunderclap" headache. So-called thunderclap headaches present suddenly, with extreme pain, often with other symptoms like nausea. Documents note that she had no prior history of headaches or any known root cause.
The family asserted the named defendants and others involved in triaging Hernandez's medical situation were negligent in all aspects of her evaluation, care and treatment, allegedly failing to properly diagnose her rapidly deteriorating condition in a timely manner.
The family claims as a result of the alleged negligence, Hernandez died 4 days later as a patient at UC.
The cause of death was determined to be a subarachnoid hemorrhage, or severe bleeding in the brain.
Subarachnoid hemorrhaging is a rare, serious condition whereby bleeding occurs in the area between the brain and the tissue covering the brain. It is a condition that can be life threatening and may require surgery or medication to reduce pressure on the brain. Court documents did not stipulate if Hernandez received any specific treatment for that condition prior to her death.
The family is seeking a trial by jury, actual and punitive damages, court costs and legal fees.
Plaintiffs are represented by Michaela A. Kelly and Jeffrey A. Clause of the firm Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, of San Francisco.