A tragic case of alleged medical negligence has surfaced, involving the untimely death of a patient due to purported lapses in care. On August 14, 2024, Joan Wallis filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, against Sutter Bay Hospitals and White Fir Holdings, LLC. The lawsuit accuses these entities of failing to provide adequate medical care, leading to severe injuries and the eventual death of Joy Holland Wallis.
According to the complaint filed by Joan Wallis through her attorneys at Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery, P.C., Joy Holland Wallis was admitted to Sutter Medical Center of Sacramento on June 13, 2023, for a routine foley catheter change. However, due to alleged negligence by the hospital staff and affiliated personnel from Midtown Oaks—a skilled nursing facility operated by White Fir Holdings—Joy developed sepsis and pressure ulcers. "The acts and omissions of all Defendants directly and proximately resulted in physical and emotional injuries," states the complaint.
The plaintiff claims that both Sutter Bay Hospitals and Midtown Oaks failed in their duty to manage Joy's sepsis and pressure ulcers properly. As a result of this alleged negligence, Joy suffered severe personal injuries that ultimately led to her death. The lawsuit further asserts that these failures constitute breaches of professional standards of care owed to Joy Holland Wallis.
In addition to accusations of medical malpractice resulting in wrongful death, the complaint also alleges negligent hiring and credentialing practices by both defendants. It contends that Sutter Bay Hospitals and Midtown Oaks did not exercise reasonable care in selecting and periodically evaluating their medical staff. "Defendants were unfit to perform the duties for which they were hired," reads another section of the filing.
Joan Wallis is seeking various forms of relief from the court. She requests economic damages for past and future losses related to her mother's care as well as non-economic damages for wrongful death and pre-death pain and suffering experienced by Joy Holland Wallis. The exact amounts will be determined based on proof presented during the trial.
Representing Joan Wallis are Michael D. Green and Brian G. Lance from Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery, P.C., while details about defense attorneys remain undisclosed at this time. The case will be heard under Case No. S40112 at the Superior Court of California in Sacramento County.