In a dramatic turn of events, a couple has taken legal action against a major healthcare provider and several associated medical professionals, alleging severe medical malpractice that led to delayed cancer diagnosis. The complaint was filed by Kityu Ho and Dave Romero in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco on September 12, 2024, targeting Sutter Health and other associated entities.
The lawsuit revolves around allegations that the defendants failed to properly diagnose and treat Kityu Ho's medical conditions, which included a positive TB test. According to the complaint, Ho sought medical care from the defendants starting in March 2019. Despite undergoing various examinations, treatments, and diagnostic tests, it wasn't until November 2023 that she was diagnosed with cancer—a delay that the plaintiffs attribute to negligence on the part of the healthcare providers involved.
"Defendants negligently acted or failed to act in one or more of said occupations or businesses," reads the complaint. The plaintiffs allege that this negligence resulted in significant harm to Ho, including physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of earning capacity. They claim that each defendant—ranging from individual doctors like Jamie Bigelow, M.D., Bani Singh, M.D., Teresa Safer, M.D., and Teresa Tang, M.D., to larger entities like Bay Imaging Consultants Medical Group Inc., Pacific Gynecology & Obstetrics Medical Group, and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center—played a role in this alleged malpractice.
Dave Romero also claims damages for loss of consortium due to his wife's condition. "Plaintiff Dave Romero suffered the loss of support, services, love, companionship... all to his general damage," states the complaint. This second cause of action underscores how deeply intertwined personal relationships can be affected by professional negligence.
The plaintiffs are seeking general damages exceeding the jurisdictional minimum of the court as well as special damages according to proof. They also request coverage for legal costs and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing them is Erik L. Peterson from Bostwick & Peterson LLP. The case has been assigned Case No. CGC-24-618013.