A $3,500,000 judgment in damages was entered for the plaintiffs in a California medical malpractice and wrongful death case arising from medical care provided during a cesarean delivery in Thousand Oaks, California. The court also awarded $52,052.86 in costs, bringing the total judgment to $3,552,052.86.

Facts of the Case

The case arose from medical care provided during a cesarean delivery at a medical facility in Thousand Oaks, California.

According to the complaint, the defendants were responsible for providing medical care during the cesarean delivery of twins. The lawsuit alleged that the defendants failed to possess and exercise the degree of knowledge and skill ordinarily possessed and exercised by physicians, surgeons, hospital personnel, nurses, attendants, and other medical professionals providing similar care under similar circumstances.

The complaint further alleged that the mother died as a direct and proximate result of the defendants' negligent conduct.

The lawsuit was brought by the surviving family members and asserted claims including general negligence, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. The complaint sought compensation for damages that included wage loss, hospital and medical expenses, general damages, and other losses resulting from the alleged negligence.

Legal Strategy: Establishing Medical Negligence and Wrongful Death

Medical malpractice cases require careful development of the evidence surrounding the medical treatment provided and whether the healthcare professionals involved complied with the applicable standard of care.

The allegations in this case focused on whether the medical professionals responsible for the cesarean delivery exercised the level of knowledge and skill ordinarily expected of similarly situated medical professionals.

The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants:

• Failed to exercise the appropriate degree of medical knowledge and skill during the cesarean delivery;
• Provided care that fell below the professional standard alleged in the complaint;
• Caused harm through their negligent acts or omissions; and
• Were responsible for the death of the mother as a direct and proximate result of the alleged medical negligence.

The complaint specifically identified general negligence and medical malpractice as causes of action and sought wrongful-death damages on behalf of the surviving family members.

Court Judgment

The matter ultimately resulted in a court judgment in favor of the plaintiffs and against the physician defendant identified in the judgment.

The court awarded:

• Damages: $3,500,000.00
• Costs: $52,052.86
• Total Judgment: $3,552,052.86

The judgment identifies three plaintiffs and allocates the $3.5 million damages award as $1,000,000 to one plaintiff and $1,250,000 to each of the other two plaintiffs.

The final judgment was filed on August 21, 2026.

Results That Matter: California Medical Malpractice and Wrongful Death Attorneys

This case demonstrates the importance of thoroughly investigating medical care when alleged negligence results in catastrophic consequences for a patient and their family.

Attorney Alan Fassonaki of Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., serving as co-counsel, helped obtain a $3.5 million damages judgment on behalf of the plaintiffs. The court additionally awarded $52,052.86 in costs, resulting in a total judgment of $3,552,052.86.

The judgment allocated the $3.5 million damages award among three plaintiffs: $1,000,000 to one plaintiff and $1,250,000 to each of the other two plaintiffs.

Medical malpractice and wrongful death cases can involve complex questions regarding the applicable standard of care, causation, damages, and the actions of healthcare professionals. When medical negligence causes a preventable death, surviving family members may have legal rights under California law.

If you believe a loved one suffered serious harm or died because of negligent medical treatment, Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C. can evaluate the circumstances and discuss the legal options that may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions About California Medical Malpractice and Wrongful Death Cases

What is medical malpractice in California?

Medical malpractice generally involves professional negligence by a healthcare provider. Whether malpractice occurred depends on the applicable professional standard of care, whether that standard was breached, and whether the breach caused legally compensable harm.

Can medical malpractice lead to a wrongful death claim?

Yes. When alleged medical negligence causes a patient's death, qualifying surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. The specific claims and damages available depend on the circumstances and California law.

Who can bring a wrongful death claim in California?

California law identifies which individuals may bring a wrongful death action. Depending on the family circumstances, this can include a surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and certain other qualifying individuals.

What must be proven in a medical malpractice case?

Generally, a plaintiff must establish the applicable professional standard of care, a breach of that standard, causation, and resulting damages. Medical malpractice cases commonly require detailed medical evidence and expert testimony.

What damages may be available in a wrongful death case?

Depending on the circumstances and applicable California law, recoverable damages may include certain financial losses and the loss of the deceased person's companionship, support, and other legally recognized benefits.

Is a judgment the same as a settlement?

No. A settlement generally results from an agreement resolving a claim, while a judgment is entered by a court. In this case, the documents reflect a court judgment rather than a negotiated settlement, awarding $3.5 million in damages plus $52,052.86 in costs.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case depends on its unique facts and applicable law.