In a striking legal battle, a couple has taken action against a prominent medical institution, alleging severe negligence that resulted in life-altering injuries. Robert Hill and Barbara Hill filed a complaint on November 25, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, against the Regents of University California and UC Davis Medical Center. The Hills accuse the defendants of medical negligence and loss of consortium following an alleged botched medical procedure.
The plaintiffs' story begins with Robert Hill seeking treatment for a femoral artery repair at UC Davis Medical Center on or around November 30, 2023. According to the complaint, the defendants negligently placed Robert's lumbar drain during the procedure. This negligence purportedly led to spinal hematomas and cauda equina syndrome, culminating in Robert becoming paraplegic by December 6, 2023. The Hills argue that this outcome was due to the defendants' failure to meet the standard care expected from qualified medical professionals. "Defendants failed to exercise the standard of care and skill ordinarily required," reads the complaint.
The lawsuit claims that as a direct result of this alleged negligence, Robert Hill suffered significant health deterioration leading to permanent disability. Furthermore, it asserts that he will incur ongoing medical expenses and loss of earnings due to his inability to continue his occupation. In addition to these personal injuries, Barbara Hill claims loss of consortium due to her husband's incapacitation. She alleges deprivation of her husband's services and companionship because of his condition.
The Hills are seeking general damages exceeding the court's minimum jurisdictional limits for both Robert's physical injuries and Barbara's loss of consortium. They also seek compensation for past and future medical expenses and lost earnings resulting from Robert's inability to work. Additionally, they demand prejudgment interest on these amounts from when they made an offer under California Code of Civil Procedure section 998.
Representing the plaintiffs is Cutter Law P.C., with attorneys C. Brooks Cutter and Margot Cutter leading their legal team. The case is presided over by judges in the Superior Court of California for Sacramento County under Case No.: 24CV023928.