(Last Updated on: April 6, 2026 )
IRVINE, Calif., March 18, 2026 — Hodes Milman has filed a medical negligence lawsuit in Santa Cruz County Superior Court on behalf of Vanessa Trinidad Mariscal against Dominican Hospital and physicians Jason Tsukamaki, M.D., Caleb Trent, M.D., and Michael Yen, M.D.
The complaint alleges that medical providers failed to recognize and act on clear signs of significantly impaired kidney function, resulting in a delayed diagnosis of a serious renal condition. According to the filing, Mariscal first presented to Dominican Hospital’s emergency department on September 8, 2024, with a persistent nosebleed. Laboratory testing at that time reportedly revealed markedly abnormal kidney-function levels, including elevated creatinine and BUN values. The lawsuit contends that these results were not properly evaluated, that Mariscal was not informed of their significance, and that no appropriate follow-up care or specialist consultation was arranged.
The complaint further alleges that during a September 16, 2024 hematology consultation, Dr. Michael Yen failed to recognize the significance of the earlier abnormal laboratory findings and did not advise Mariscal of her condition or recommend necessary follow-up care.
According to the lawsuit, Mariscal returned to Dominican Hospital on October 24, 2024, where additional testing showed further deterioration of her kidney function, including values consistent with acute renal failure. She was admitted and began hemodialysis. A subsequent renal biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of sclerosing glomerulonephritis, a serious condition that can lead to permanent kidney damage.
Hodes Milman alleges that the delay in diagnosis and treatment caused Mariscal to suffer severe and lasting impairment of her kidney function, along with significant physical, emotional, and financial harm. She is seeking damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, and other relief to be determined at trial.
“Ms. Mariscal’s condition showed clear warning signs that should have prompted immediate action,” said Daniel Hodes, founding and managing partner of Hodes Milman and counsel for the plaintiff. “Instead, critical opportunities for early intervention were missed, leading to devastating and permanent consequences. This case seeks to hold those responsible accountable and to obtain justice for the harm she has suffered.”
The case, Vanessa Trinidad Mariscal v. Dominican Hospital, et al., Case No. 26CV00241, was filed on January 23, 2026, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz.
About Hodes Milman
Hodes Milman is a Southern California trial law firm representing individuals and families harmed by medical negligence, defective products, and catastrophic injuries. Based in Irvine, the firm’s attorneys bring more than 70 years of combined experience litigating complex matters and have recovered over $250 million for clients. The firm handles cases involving medical malpractice, product liability, dental negligence, and serious personal injury, and is committed to holding negligent parties accountable.
