A California resident has taken legal action against a healthcare provider, alleging professional negligence that may have resulted in terminal cancer. Michael Reggiardo filed the complaint on December 3, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, naming Richard J. Trevino, A.P.C., and Richard J. Trevino, M.D., as defendants.
The case centers around a medical malpractice claim where Reggiardo accuses Dr. Trevino and his practice of failing to diagnose cancer in a timely manner. According to the complaint, Reggiardo first presented to the defendants on May 18, 2023, with concerns about an enlarging mass on his left parotid gland. Despite expressing fears that the mass could be cancerous, he was reassured it was benign and scheduled for surgery four months later in September 2023. During this period, he continued to experience symptoms but no further diagnostic actions were taken by the defendants.
Reggiardo's lawsuit claims that Dr. Trevino breached the standard of care by not conducting necessary diagnostic procedures such as imaging or a fine needle aspiration to rule out cancer at the initial consultation. It wasn't until after his surgery on September 11, 2023, that pathology reports indicated cancer with potential perineural invasion had developed and metastasized. By then, it was too late for treatments to offer significant hope; Reggiardo's condition is now considered terminal.
In his filing, Reggiardo argues that had proper medical protocols been followed earlier in May 2023 when he first sought treatment from Dr. Trevino's practice, there would have been a reasonable chance for early detection and intervention which might have extended his life expectancy significantly while reducing pain and suffering.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court including general damages exceeding jurisdictional limits for both economic losses such as medical expenses incurred due to alleged negligence and non-economic damages like pain and suffering endured because of delayed diagnosis. Additionally requested are prejudgment interest according to statute provisions along with any other relief deemed appropriate by judicial authorities.
Representing Michael Reggiardo are attorneys Craig S. Walkon Esq., Bradley J. Walkon Esq., and Andrew H. Walkon Esq., all from Walkon Law Firm based in Capistrano Beach, California. The case is being presided over by Judge J. Nguyen under Case ID: 240453182.