A Sacramento couple is seeking justice after a series of alleged medical oversights left the husband with permanent disabilities. On September 8, 2025, David Blanton and his wife Mereani Salusalu Blanton filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, against Sutter Health and its affiliated entities. The lawsuit accuses the healthcare providers of medical negligence and other related claims.
The case revolves around David Blanton’s hospitalization at Sutter Medical Center Roseville on September 1, 2024. He was admitted for routine heart function tests that required an intravenous injection of contrast imaging fluids. According to the complaint, staff members mishandled the procedure by injecting the fluid into surrounding tissue rather than his bloodstream, leading to a severe infection in his arm. Despite repeated visits to Sutter Sacramento’s emergency department over the following weeks, Blanton alleges he was denied proper treatment until his condition became critical. By then, he required multiple surgeries to address necrotic tissue and prevent amputation.
David Blanton’s ordeal did not end there. His left arm remains permanently disfigured with limited mobility, severely impacting his daily life and independence. The complaint details how these injuries have compounded existing challenges; Blanton already relied on a wheelchair due to a previous leg amputation resulting from another infection that Sutter doctors allegedly failed to treat promptly.
Mereani Salusalu Blanton also claims significant emotional distress due to her husband’s condition. She describes a loss of companionship and increased caregiving responsibilities as she now assists him with basic tasks like moving his wheelchair.
The plaintiffs argue that Sutter Health and its affiliates were negligent in their hiring practices and supervision of medical staff, contributing to the inadequate care David received. They assert that proper sterilization procedures were not followed, patient records were inadequately reviewed, and necessary precautions were ignored despite clear risk factors for infection present in David’s medical history.
In their legal filing, the Blantons seek general and special damages determined at trial, pre-judgment interest, court costs, and any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court. They emphasize holding Sutter accountable for what they describe as preventable suffering caused by professional negligence.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys William A. Levin, David M. Grimes, and Lisa M. Manoogian from Levin Simes LLP based in San Francisco. The case is presided over by Judge P. Russell under Case No.: 2 Sf O21 231.
Source: 24CV021231_David_Blanton_v_Sutter_Health_Complaint_County_of_Sacramento_California.pdf
