A recent court filing has brought to light a harrowing case of alleged medical negligence that resulted in severe injuries and suffering for the plaintiff. The complaint, filed by Souad Abdelmalek on July 18, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, names Stanford Health Care doing business as Stanford Hospital and several individual medical professionals as defendants.
The lawsuit centers around a spinal cord decompression procedure performed on August 2, 2023, at Stanford Hospital. According to the complaint, Dr. Kirkham Berwick Wood conducted the surgery with assistance from Curt George Di Cristina, PA. Following the procedure, Abdelmalek experienced significant complications including an inability to defecate initially and later uncontrollable defecation and urination. She also reported pain and coldness in her right leg. Despite these symptoms and complaints from her family members, hospital staff allegedly dismissed them as normal post-operative conditions and attempted to discharge her.
It wasn't until August 9, 2023, that a large post-operative hematoma was discovered at the surgical site after an MRI was performed due to persistent urging by Abdelmalek's family. This discovery necessitated multiple additional procedures to correct the surgical error. The complaint accuses Dr. Wood of failing to perform adequate pre-surgical assessments and post-surgical care which led to these severe complications.
The allegations extend beyond Dr. Wood to include Curt George Di Cristina, PA, who is accused of failing in his duties during surgery and subsequent care. Additionally, Garret Kenn Morris, M.D., is named for his role in neglecting proper post-surgical care which contributed to Abdelmalek's deteriorating condition.
Abdelmalek’s legal team argues that Stanford Hospital failed in its duty by allowing incompetent medical providers to administer substandard care. The hospital is also accused of negligent hiring practices and inadequate supervision of its staff which ultimately led to the plaintiff's injuries.
The lawsuit seeks general damages for negligence along with special damages for incurred medical expenses related to hospitals, physicians, surgeons, nurses' services, medications, and other medical supplies. It also demands compensation for permanent or temporary disability resulting from the incident along with emotional distress damages. Furthermore, it includes claims for loss of earnings both past and prospective as well as loss of capacity to earn income in future.
Representing Souad Abdelmalek is attorney Koorosh K. Shahrokh from National Choice Lawyers.
With the Case No: 24CV443376.