Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Tanisha Jackett was admitted to a California hospital for breast reconstruction surgery. After the procedure, which lasted more than 20 hours, Jackett experienced severe pain in the side of her head, swelling, headaches, and hair loss. The following month, she was treated at the hospital’s ER, where she complained of worsening symptoms plus back pain, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Jackett was later diagnosed as having occipital neuralgia, which necessitated pain management, including nerve blocks.

Jackett sued the Regents of the University of California, alleging negligent performance of the breast reconstruction, during which she sustained injury to her right occipital nerve. The plaintiff asserted that the defendant had failed to ensure that her head was not subjected to any pressure points that could adversely affect her nerves and that the defendant also should have repositioned her head during the operation.

The plaintiff and defendant agreed to settle the case for $550,000.

Citation: Jackett v. Regents of the U. of Cal., No. 30-2021-01220899-CU-MM-NJC (Cal. Super. Ct. Orange Cnty. Apr. 20, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: Michelle B. Hemesath, Santa Ana, Calif.