When Routine Surgery Turns Into Devastation — A California Medical Malpractice Story

In March 2025, a medical malpractice lawsuit in California drew attention after a routine surgical procedure allegedly led to life-altering consequences. Wayne Wolff, a 58-year-old man from Riverside County, underwent what was expected to be a standard outpatient knee surgery at UC Irvine Medical Center in April 2024 to repair a torn meniscus. The procedure is generally considered low risk, with patients typically returning home the same day.

According to the lawsuit, complications arose during the surgery when the surgeon allegedly damaged a major artery. The injury was not immediately identified or treated, leading to serious complications that ultimately required the amputation of Wolff’s lower left leg. His wife, Lisa Wolff, a former emergency room nurse, stated that she repeatedly raised concerns with hospital staff over the following days as her husband’s pain worsened, urging them to conduct diagnostic tests, but her warnings were allegedly ignored.

The Wolff family filed a lawsuit against the Regents of the University of California, which oversees the medical center, alleging negligence and failure to meet the standard of care. The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future care needs. The case highlights the potential consequences when medical errors occur and the challenges families face when seeking accountability after unexpected outcomes from routine medical care.