In a gripping case that highlights the potential consequences of medical negligence, three plaintiffs have filed a lawsuit against a regional medical center and several physicians, alleging wrongful death and medical malpractice. The complaint was filed by Julian R. Contreras, Carli D. Contreras, and Tamara Torrez in the Ventura Superior Court on September 19, 2024, targeting Los Robles Regional Medical Center and its associated doctors.
The plaintiffs are the surviving family members of Julian Michael Contreras, who passed away on June 22, 2023. They allege that the medical professionals at Los Robles Regional Medical Center failed to provide adequate care during his hospitalization from May 6 to May 13, 2023, and again from May 18 to June 22, 2023. According to the complaint, defendants Melissa Jill Cohen, M.D., Mark D. Suski, M.D., Andrew Ma, M.D., Sandra H. Sachs, M.D., and other unnamed healthcare providers did not exercise the necessary degree of skill and care required in their field.
The lawsuit claims that these healthcare providers were negligent in examining, diagnosing, advising, treating, and caring for Julian Michael Contreras. The plaintiffs argue that this negligence led to a deterioration in his condition that ultimately resulted in his death. "Plaintiffs’ Decedent's condition was not timely diagnosed and therefore worsened," reads the complaint. The family asserts that had proper medical care been administered within standard practices, Julian Michael Contreras's death could have been avoided.
The plaintiffs are seeking both economic and non-economic damages as compensation for their loss. This includes general damages for emotional distress and loss of companionship as well as specific economic damages related to funeral expenses and lost financial support from the deceased. They also request pre-judgment interest and coverage for all legal costs incurred during the suit.
Representing the plaintiffs is John R. Contos from the Law Office of John R. Contos based in Westlake Village, California. The case has been assigned Case No.: 2024CUMM030904 at the Ventura Superior Court with Brenda L. McCormick serving as Executive Officer and Clerk.