Family of girl declared brain-dead sues California hospital
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The family of a 13-year-old girl declared brain-dead after her sleep apnea operation went awry is suing the hospital that treated her, alleging doctors were slow to respond when she began coughing up blood.
The lawsuit filed Tuesday in Alameda County Superior Court accuses UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland of botching the operation and care of Jahi McMath, who was an eighth-grader when she went for surgery in December 2013.
The family claims doctors lagged when Jahi showed signs of distress following the operation to remove her tonsils. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.
Jahi is being kept on a ventilator and feeding tubes in New Jersey. Her family believes she is still alive.
A hospital spokeswoman declined to comment.