A married couple has filed a lawsuit alleging medical negligence that led to a devastating cancer diagnosis. On July 10, 2024, Bronislava and Boris Spektor lodged their complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Sutter Bay Hospitals and several associated doctors.
The plaintiffs, Bronislava and Boris Spektor, claim that a series of medical errors at Sutter Bay Hospitals and its affiliated CPMC Pacific Campus Pathology Laboratory resulted in a delayed cancer diagnosis for Bronislava. According to the complaint, on August 27, 2021, Bronislava underwent a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and total hysterectomy performed by Dr. Katherine Ting-Ann Hsiao. A pathology report was ordered and subsequently conducted at the defendants' laboratory. The results were reported on September 3, 2021, by Dr. Judith Ann Doyle who noted no significant abnormalities or carcinoma. This report was reviewed and concurred with by Dr. Richard Garcia-Kennedy and Dr. Maria Mercedes Patino.
Bronislava believed she was cancer-free based on these findings until June 2023 when imaging for an unrelated issue revealed alarming signs. On June 27, 2023, imaging showed a right renal mass along with other concerning masses which were later confirmed as metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma of gynecologic origin on July 11, 2023. A review of her previous pathology slides indicated that her initial diagnosis should have identified serous endometrial carcinoma.
The plaintiffs allege that this misdiagnosis allowed Bronislava's cancer to metastasize unchecked for nearly two years leading to severe physical pain, emotional distress, and debilitating treatments that will ultimately result in her death. The complaint states: "Defendants negligently failed to diagnose Plaintiff's serous endometrial carcinoma when it was present in September 2021." They further accuse the defendants of failing to implement adequate policies and procedures to ensure accurate diagnoses.
In addition to general damages for physical pain and emotional suffering, the plaintiffs seek special damages covering medical expenses incurred due to the misdiagnosis as well as future costs related to ongoing treatment. Boris Spektor is also seeking damages for loss of consortium due to his wife's condition which has deprived him of her companionship and support.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Nancy Hersh and Kate Hersh-Boyle from Hersh & Hersh law firm. The case is being overseen by Judge [Name] under Case ID CGC-24-616303.