A tragic case of alleged medical malpractice has emerged, as a family accuses a psychiatrist and his associated practice of contributing to the wrongful death of their father. The complaint was filed by Caleb Traxler, Jacob Traxler, and Charlotte Traxler in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of Ventura on August 9, 2024, against Daljit Singh Mac, M.D., Psychiatric Services Incorporated, and other unnamed defendants.
The plaintiffs allege that Dr. Daljit Singh Mac and Psychiatric Services Incorporated failed to provide adequate care to Jericho Traxler, who was under their psychiatric treatment from January 30, 2023, until his death on May 19, 2023. According to the complaint, Jericho's psychiatric issues were not properly addressed during this period. The plaintiffs claim that the office notes from the defendants were inconsistent with what Jericho reported and what they diagnosed. They further assert that some diagnoses were incorrect and that medications prescribed did not treat Jericho's symptoms effectively.
The complaint highlights several specific failures by the defendants: misunderstanding and misinterpreting Jericho's condition, prescribing too many medications simultaneously without seeing timely results from previous prescriptions, and failing to consider hospitalization when necessary. Moreover, there was no outreach to family members for additional information about Jericho's behavior. Tragically, these alleged oversights culminated in Jericho committing suicide by hanging on May 19, 2023.
In addition to Dr. Mac and Psychiatric Services Incorporated being named as primary defendants, the lawsuit also includes nominal defendants Julien Traxler and Jericho Traxler—Jericho’s surviving children who are not actively accused but are part of the legal proceedings due to their familial relationship.
The plaintiffs argue that Dr. Mac held himself out as a qualified specialist in psychiatry but failed to exercise the necessary skill and prudence expected in his field. They allege that he did not obtain informed consent for treatments provided to Jericho. The lawsuit claims that less than one year has passed since Jericho's death before filing this complaint or that an extension was granted for serving a Notice of Intention to Commence Action on May 10, 2024.
The plaintiffs seek compensatory and general damages for their loss of comfort and society due to their father's death. They also request pre-judgment interest according to proof and reimbursement for court costs incurred during this process.
Representing the plaintiffs is attorney Sohaila Sagheb (SB#144202), while Kenneth M. Yaeger (BAR #52906) is listed as another attorney involved in filing this case electronically on August 9th through eDelivery at Ventura Superior Court.
This case will be presided over by judges yet to be assigned under Case No: 2024CUMM028428.