Maria Montellano has filed a gripping lawsuit against several healthcare providers, alleging negligence that led to the tragic death of her predecessor, Maria De Jose Alvarez. On January 14, 2025, Montellano lodged the complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, targeting Peripheral Vascular Institute, Inc., Dr. Naveen Sharma, St. John’s Regional Medical Center, and Dr. Daniel Orosco as defendants.
The lawsuit narrates a distressing series of events beginning with multiple surgeries performed by Dr. Naveen Sharma at the Peripheral Vascular Institute on Alvarez. According to the complaint, a final surgery on October 10, 2023, resulted in Alvarez being negligently discharged with low blood pressure and improperly closed with a Mynx device—a situation that led to a fatal hematoma five days later. Despite Montellano's attorney's request for medical records on December 7, 2023—backed by Evidence Code Section 1158—the defendants delayed their response and failed to provide crucial imaging records. These records are believed by Montellano to show evidence of inappropriate closure during surgery.
In addition to these allegations against Dr. Sharma and the Peripheral Vascular Institute, Montellano claims that when Alvarez sought further treatment at St. John’s Regional Medical Center under Dr. Daniel Orosco's care due to her low blood pressure and developing hematoma, she was negligently discharged without adequate treatment or wound management. This sequence of alleged negligence forms the crux of Montellano's claim that these healthcare providers were directly responsible for Alvarez's untimely death.
Montellano is seeking both special and general damages from the court while also demanding a jury trial for all causes of action presented in her complaint. The case underscores significant concerns about medical malpractice and accountability within healthcare institutions.
Representing Maria Montellano is Audet & Partners LLP with attorneys Mark E. Burton Jr., and Thom E. Smith leading the charge from their San Francisco office. The case is identified under Case No.. 2025 CLUMMOS? 1345 in front of the Superior Court of California in Ventura County.