A project of Consumer Watchdog Campaign
Anthony Fossett was a young aspiring musician and a beloved member of his community. An alumnus of Youth Radio’s Core and Bridge program, Anthony wanted to be a music producer and hoped to eventually start his own studio. Anthony had begun performing at the Oakland Museum and was helping to produce local rap artists. He was making great strides to achieve his dreams until medical negligence derailed it all.
Upon discovering that Anthony was having heart problems, doctors determined that a mitral valve surgery was necessary to save his life. While in surgery, the doctors placed the valve incorrectly, causing it to leak and triggering further complications. Anthony’s mother, Regina, begged them to attempt corrective surgery but the hospital refused and claimed that medications would correct their mistake. A few days later, the replacement valve broke apart, causing Anthony’s heart failure and death.
Anthony’s mother sought justice for her son and hoped to hold the negligent doctors that killed him accountable. However, because of the nearly 50-year-old cap that limits compensation for injured patients to $250,000, she could not find a lawyer to take her case.
Californians will have the chance to vote on the Fairness for Injured Patients Act on the November 2022 ballot. The Fairness Act would update California’s medical malpractice damage cap for nearly 50 years of inflation, and allow judges and juries to decide fair compensation in cases involving catastrophic injury or death. Learn more about this campaign for patient safety.
Click the map to view stories by Senate District
A state law that hasn’t changed since 1975 caps compensation for families harmed by medical negligence. The limits apply to lost quality of life, even if a patient loses a leg, a child, or is disabled for life. Click on the picture of the map to find patients by the State Senate Districts they live in.
Paid for by Consumer Watchdog Campaign for the Fairness for Injured Patients Act
Committee Major Funding from:
Consumer Watchdog Campaign Nonprofit 501(c)(4)
