Irvine Electrician Sues UC Regents After Surgery Nightmare

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Healthcare professionals at work in a surgery room, emphasizing the importance of patient care.

News Summary

Wayne Wolff, a 58-year-old electrician from Orange County, is suing the University of California Board of Regents for negligence following a routine knee surgery that turned catastrophic. The procedure, which took place at the UCI Medical Center, involved a severe mistake where a critical artery was mistakenly severed. Wolff’s health declined significantly post-surgery, leading to more complications and a subsequent legal battle aimed at holding the medical staff accountable for their actions and ensuring patient safety in healthcare.

Irvine Electrician Fights Back: Lawsuit Claims Negligence After Routine Surgery Gone Wrong

In a shocking turn of events, Wayne Wolff, a 58-year-old electrician from Orange County, is taking the University of California Board of Regents to court. The lawsuit, which was officially filed on February 11, 2025, stems from a routine knee surgery that turned into a nightmare for Wolff at the UCI Medical Center back in April 2024.

What Went Wrong?

Wolff was supposed to undergo a standard arthroscopic surgery to repair his meniscus. The procedure was led by Dr. Dean Wang, who is the head of sports medicine at UC Irvine. However, during the surgery, a tragic mistake occurred when Dr. Wang accidentally severed the popliteal artery—a critical artery responsible for supplying blood to the left lower leg—instead of the vein he initially believed he was cutting.

In an alarming twist, it took a staggering 35 minutes for the medical team to control the bleeding from this major artery. After the mistake, Wolff began to experience intense pain and a troubling lack of pulse in his left foot, symptoms that were unfortunately overlooked for days by the hospital staff.

The Struggles Continue

As Wolff’s pain escalated and his leg showed signs of deterioration, the medical response was less than adequate. His wife, Lisa Wolff, who is an experienced emergency room nurse, expressed concern over her husband’s worsening condition, but her pleas seemed to fall on deaf ears as the staff failed to recognize the seriousness of the situation.

To make matters worse, Dr. Wang left for a two-day conference soon after the surgery, leaving Wolff in the care of resident doctors who did not grasp the severity of his condition. During the next few days, he was shuffled between post-anesthesia care units multiple times, and his pain remained untreated.

Amidst his suffering, Wolff consistently reported symptoms including severe pain, swelling of the leg, and a complete loss of sensation. Unfortunately, his requests for an ultrasound to determine the underlying cause of his leg problems were denied multiple times. This lack of proper attention led to even worse complications.

A Devastating Diagnosis

On April 6, 2024, Dr. Wang returned to perform another surgery. It was during this procedure that he informed Lisa Wolff that her husband had suffered a blood clot. However, the truth was far more severe—a vascular surgeon later confirmed that the artery had been completely severed.

The Legal Battle

wolff and his wife are now seeking unspecified damages through their lawsuit, which alleges serious claims including negligence, abuse or neglect of a dependent adult, loss of consortium, and emotional distress. The case has caused a stir in the community, raising awareness about patient safety and medical negligence.

In response to the ongoing litigation, a spokesperson for UCI Medical Center has declined to provide any comments, which leaves many questions unanswered for the Wolff family and the community shocked by this disturbing incident.

The Impact on Family Life

The consequences of this ordeal extend far beyond just the medical complications. Wayne and Lisa Wolff have had their lives turned upside down, facing new realities and challenges that come with significant physical and emotional distress. As they navigate through this difficult journey, they hope that by bringing their story to light, they can urge hospitals and medical professionals to prioritize patient safety and accountability.

This lawsuit is not just about seeking damages; it’s about ensuring that no one else has to go through the agony that Wayne Wolff has experienced. The family remains hopeful for a better future as they fight for justice.