In a compelling legal case that raises significant concerns about patient consent and medical ethics, a couple has filed a lawsuit against a prominent university hospital and two of its doctors. The complaint was lodged by Steve Atkins and Sonja Atkins in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, on September 17, 2025. They are suing The Regents of the University of California, Dr. Kee Kim, M.D., Dr. Saman Farr, D.O., and unnamed defendants for alleged medical malpractice.
The plaintiffs allege that Steve Atkins underwent an unauthorized medical procedure at UC Davis Medical Center on November 7, 2024. During this procedure, despite explicit instructions not to do so due to his preexisting autoimmune disorder—Adult-Onset Still’s Disease—Dr. Kee Kim implanted an INFUSE Bone Graft into Mr. Atkins’ spine without his consent. This action took place even after Mr. Atkins had declined participation in a clinical trial involving the use of INFUSE, which was not approved by the FDA for such use and had not been tested on individuals with autoimmune diseases.
Steve Atkins claims that he suffered severe physical and psychological harm as a result of this unauthorized procedure. The lawsuit details how Mr. Atkins experienced “severe emotional distress” from the fear that the implant could trigger severe health complications or even death due to his condition. Furthermore, it is alleged that Dr. Kim admitted to forgetting Mr. Atkins’ instructions during a phone call on February 24, 2025.
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of multiple counts including medical negligence and battery for performing a procedure substantially different from what was consented to by Mr. Atkins. It is also claimed that there was an intentional misrepresentation regarding the use of INFUSE during surgery.
The plaintiffs are seeking general damages exceeding the court’s minimum jurisdictional limits for pain and suffering endured by Steve Atkins due to these actions. They are also pursuing compensation for past and future medical expenses incurred as a result of the surgery, lost wages due to incapacitation following the surgery, punitive damages under California Civil Code section 3294 for oppressive conduct by the defendants, as well as interest on all damages awarded.
Representing Steve and Sonja Atkins in this case is William C. Callaham from Wilcoxen Callaham LLP based in Sacramento, California. The case has been assigned Case No.: 25CV022206 in front of judges at the Superior Court of California in Sacramento County.
Source: 25CV022206_Steve_Atkins_v_The_Regents_Complaint_County_of_Sacramento_California.pdf
