Case Background
The legal dispute originated from a medical procedure performed on January 26, 2023, at Sharp Memorial Hospital. Phuong "Yen" Ho sought treatment for a benign pituitary tumor, which her neurosurgeon, Dr. Sohaib Kureshi, recommended removing through a routine surgery. During the operation, which involved a computer guidance system, the surgical team struck Ms. Ho’s carotid artery. This error led to a catastrophic stroke that fundamentally changed the course of her life.
Cause
The lawsuit alleged that the surgical team deviated from the standard of care and lacked the requisite skill required for the procedure. Despite using advanced navigation technology, the Defendants negligently injured the artery while attempting to remove the tumor. The Plaintiffs argued that this injury was not an inherent risk but a direct result of carelessness during the operation.
Injury
The stroke caused by the surgical error left Ms. Ho with permanent and severe disabilities. She suffered from impaired speech and a diminished ability to communicate, along with aphasia and memory loss. Physically, she experienced paralysis and spasticity in her right extremities, making it nearly impossible for her to perform basic tasks like gripping or holding objects.
Damages Sought
Phuong Ho and her husband, Trinh Nguyen, sought legal recourse for the life-altering damage. Ms. Ho requested compensation for her past and future medical expenses, as well as the loss of her future earning capacity. Mr. Nguyen filed a claim for loss of consortium, seeking damages for the loss of his wife’s companionship, affection, and support.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Phuong Ho | Trinh Nguyen.
· Counsel for Plaintiff(s): David A. Fox | Christopher L. Hendricks
Defendant(s): Sohaib Kureshi, M.D., Eric Mair | Sharp Memorial Hospital.
· Counsel for Defendant(s): Clark R Hudson | Scott Buchholz | Jeffrey S Doggett
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
The legal team for the Plaintiffs argued that the Defendants owed a duty of care that they breached through negligent actions in the operating room. They contended that the stroke was a direct and proximate result of the surgeon's failure to navigate the area around the pituitary gland safely.
Claims
The case featured two primary causes of action: medical negligence and loss of consortium. The Plaintiffs also argued that Dr. Kureshi and Dr. Mair were agents of Sharp Memorial Hospital, making the hospital vicariously liable for the results of the surgery.
Defense
The jury considered several factors regarding the defense, including whether the patient had given informed consent. They were tasked with deciding if a reasonable person in Ms. Ho's position would have refused the surgery had they been properly informed of the risks and alternatives.
Jury Verdict
The trial concluded in December 2025 with the jury finding in favor of the Plaintiffs.
Findings of Liability
The jury found that Dr. Sohaib Kureshi was negligent in his care and treatment of Phuong Ho. They determined that this negligence was a substantial factor in causing her harm. Because the jury found the doctor negligent, they did not need to reach a final decision on the secondary questions regarding informed consent.
Total Award
The jury awarded a total of $18,056,888 to the Plaintiffs. This award included compensation for Ms. Ho’s future medical expenses, lost earnings, and physical and mental suffering. It also included a significant amount for Trinh Nguyen's loss of consortium. The presiding juror signed the final verdict on December 18, 2025.
Court documents are available upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com
