A tragic case of alleged medical malpractice has been brought to light as a grieving mother seeks justice for the untimely death of her son. On April 7, 2025, Susana Lujan filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against Gilbert Lucio and Robert Lefkowitz, M.D., among others. The lawsuit claims wrongful death due to medical negligence and highlights systemic failures in healthcare provision.
The plaintiff, Susana Lujan, is the natural mother of Matthew Lujan, who tragically passed away on April 12, 2024. According to the complaint, Susana Lujan accuses Gilbert Lucio—Matthew's father—and Dr. Robert Lefkowitz along with other unnamed defendants (DOES 1 through 50) of failing in their duty of care towards her son during critical periods surrounding his birth and subsequent medical treatment. The complaint alleges that these defendants were negligent in selecting and retaining competent staff at Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC), where Matthew was born on June 29, 2007.
The lawsuit details how Dr. Lefkowitz and other medical professionals held themselves out as skilled experts in obstetrics and pediatrics but allegedly failed to provide adequate care during prenatal and neonatal stages. "Defendants breached their duty to assure quality medical care," states the complaint, emphasizing lapses in evaluating the competency of physicians and nurses involved in Matthew's care. These alleged breaches contributed significantly to Matthew's suffering and eventual death.
Plaintiff Susana Lujan asserts that this negligence deprived her family not only of Matthew's companionship but also his potential contributions to their lives. She is seeking damages for loss of love, comfort, society, protection, financial support from Matthew, funeral expenses incurred due to his premature demise, as well as general damages exceeding court jurisdiction limits.
Represented by Rolando Hidalgo from Hidalgo A Law Corporation based in Los Angeles, California; Susana Lujan hopes for accountability through legal proceedings against those she believes are responsible for her son's passing. The case has been assigned Case No. O27 5CU FIRIO4 1568 with Judge Brenda L. McCormick presiding over it.