A family is seeking justice after a tragic incident they believe was caused by medical negligence, resulting in the wrongful death of their loved one. On December 5, 2025, Blair H. Widders of Wilcoxen Callaham, LLP filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento against Daniel Helmy, M.D., and Dignity Health doing business as Mercy General Hospital.
The plaintiffs, Judith Nielsen, Luc Edward Nielsen, Hal Cody Nielsen, and Danielle Clabaugh have accused the defendants of failing to provide adequate medical care to James Ronald Nielsen Jr., leading to his untimely death. The complaint alleges that on August 8, 2025, James Ronald Nielsen Jr. sought medical treatment from the defendants. However, due to alleged negligence on August 17, 2025, a feeding tube was improperly placed into his trachea at Mercy General Hospital. Furthermore, Dr. Daniel Helmy is accused of failing to detect this error when reviewing an abdominal X-ray meant to confirm correct placement. This oversight purportedly led to severe injuries and ultimately the death of James Ronald Nielsen Jr. on September 3, 2025.
The plaintiffs claim that as a result of these actions or omissions by the defendants and their agents or employees acting within their professional capacities, they have suffered immense personal loss. They assert that the defendants did not exercise the standard level of care expected from medical practitioners in Sacramento County and thus breached their duty towards James Ronald Nielsen Jr., resulting in his wrongful death.
The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief from the court including general damages for loss of companionship and support from James Ronald Nielsen Jr., special damages for financial support and household services lost due to his passing, as well as funeral expenses incurred by the family. Additionally, they are pursuing interest on all damages at a lawful rate and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing the plaintiffs is attorney Blair H. Widders from Wilcoxen Callaham LLP. The case is filed under Case No. [2am ozo Se] in front of judges at the Superior Court of California in Sacramento County.
Source: 25CV029156_Judith_Nielsen_v_Daniel_Helmy_Complaint_County_of_Sacramento_California.pdf
