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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RECORD

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Los Angeles boy suffered from leukemia for months while doctors misdiagnosed him, according to lawsuit

Federal Court
Providence

LOS ANGELES - A Los Angles mother and child sued multiple defendants for alleged misdiagnosis and medical malpractice, according to documents filed last year in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. 

Plaintiff Maria Fajardo and her unidentified minor son visited defendant Providence Holy Cross Medical Center multiple times starting in March 2018 because he was suffering from joint, ankle, shoulder and wrist pain as well as fevers, the lawsuit says. Defendants removed the case to Los Angeles federal court on March 9.

Defendant Dr. Marc Mendez allegedly diagnosed Fajardo's son with childhood rheumatoid arthritis.  The child was then sent to defendant Northeast Valley Health Corporation, where defendant Jocelyn Singh, a nurse practitioner, confirmed the arthritis diagnosis, the suit says.

When the treatments prescribed by Singh did not help with the child's symptoms, another physician, defendant Dr. Mary Ellen Wakim, performed an x-ray and again stated that the child was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, the suit says.

As the symptoms progressed, Fajardo and her son were sent to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where the misdiagnosis of arthritis continued, the suit says.

The plaintiff's son was not properly diagnosed with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia until November of 2019, the suit says.

The defendants are charged with medical negligence, negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The plaintiffs are seeking medical reimbursement, general damages, litigation fees and other judgements. 

Fajardo and her son are represented by the Law Offices of Everardo Vargas Valencia APC. 

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