Families sues Anaheim Hills doctor after anesthesia death is ruled homicide

The family of an abortion patient whose death was recently reclassified as a homicide has filed an Orange County wrongful death lawsuit against the Anaheim Hills doctor who performed the procedure.
 
Thirty-year-old Yong Chen sought an abortion at a San Gabriel strip mall clinic in July 2009.  After she was given local anesthesia, she suffered a heart attack and died from a fatal reaction to the drug.
 
Dr. Andrew Rutland faces discipline by the California Medical Board.
 
The medical malpractice lawsuit was filed last month on behalf of their 2-year-old daughter. The suit alleges that the clinic was not properly equipped to perform an abortion and that Dr. Rutland did not adequately attempt to Chen after her heart attack.
 
The abortion took place at an acupuncture clinic which was not licensed to perform abortions. The chief medical examiner who investigated the death found expired drugs, lack of oxygen and dangerous drugs stored in mislabeled drawers.
 
Chen's death was originally ruled accidental, but the  coroner's department changed the cause to homicide after the medical investigation. No charges have been filed at this time.
 
Rutland had previously lost his license after admitting medical negligence in the death of a newborn in 2002.  It was reinstated in 2007.
 
When a medical professional deviates from the accepted standard of care and causes harm, he is guilty of medical malpractice. To learn more about the rights of medical malpractice victims, call the Orange County wrongful death attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie. 1-866-981-5596.