Vanessa Mendez has filed a lawsuit alleging medical negligence against a major healthcare provider and several associated doctors. The complaint was lodged on January 16, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, targeting Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, and individual practitioners Jennifer Vinson, D.O., Salvador Garfias, M.D., and Sam Amir Mikhail, D.O.
The lawsuit details a troubling series of events that began when Vanessa Mendez sought medical attention at Kaiser Urgent Care in Ventura on January 22, 2024. According to the complaint, Mendez presented with significant symptoms including pain during movement, swelling, and redness in her foot. Despite these symptoms and her known diabetic condition, Dr. Jennifer Vinson allegedly failed to conduct necessary diagnostic tests such as blood sugar levels or wound cultures. Instead, she discharged Mendez with medication and advised her to return if her condition worsened. This course of action was reportedly ratified by Dr. Salvador Garfias.
Two days later, on January 24th, after sending an updated photo showing worsening conditions to Dr. Sam Amir Mikhail at Kaiser Permanente Oxnard—where the foot had begun turning black—Mikhail purportedly only recommended changing antibiotics without ordering further lab tests or admitting her for more intensive care. The failure to adequately diagnose and treat resulted in severe consequences for Mendez; she ultimately required amputation of all toes on the affected foot.
The complaint accuses the defendants of medical negligence under California law. It asserts that the defendants held themselves out as skilled professionals but failed in their duty to provide competent care. The lawsuit claims that each defendant acted within their employment scope at Kaiser entities and thus holds them vicariously liable for the alleged malpractice.
Mendez is seeking various forms of relief from the court including general damages for pain and suffering; compensation for medical expenses incurred due to the alleged negligence; loss of earnings; prejudgment interest on damages; and coverage for legal costs associated with pursuing this case.
Representing Vanessa Mendez are attorneys A. King Aminpour and Alex S. Madar from Aminpour and Associates law firm based in San Diego. The case has been assigned Case No. 2025CUMMOSY284 in front of Ventura Superior Court.