A San Francisco couple is seeking justice in a case of alleged medical negligence that has left one of them facing a potentially terminal illness. John Zhao and his wife, Fay Zhao, have filed a complaint against Atlais Clinical Services and Brown and Toland Health, accusing them of failing to provide adequate medical care. The lawsuit was filed on August 28, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.
The Zhaos’ case revolves around claims that the defendants neglected to properly diagnose and treat liver lesions discovered during routine medical examinations. According to the complaint, John Zhao first consulted with Atlais Clinical Services and Brown and Toland Health in October 2022 for primary care services. During this time, a chest CT scan revealed multiple liver lesions; however, the defendants allegedly failed to inform him or recommend further evaluation. This oversight persisted until January 2024 when another CT scan indicated significant growth in the lesions. By June 2024, these had developed into Stage 4 hepatocellular carcinoma—a diagnosis that came too late for surgical intervention or transplant options.
The plaintiffs argue that if the initial findings had been appropriately addressed in 2022, John Zhao might have undergone surgery or a transplant before his condition worsened. They accuse the healthcare providers of breaching their duty by not adhering to standard medical practices. The complaint states: “To a reasonable degree of medical certainty, if defendants properly followed up on the abnormal liver lesions in 2022, JOHN ZHAO could have had a surgical resection or transplant.”
In addition to medical negligence claims by John Zhao, Fay Zhao has filed for loss of consortium due to her husband’s inability to fulfill marital duties because of his deteriorating health. She alleges that as a result of the defendants’ negligence, she has suffered loss of companionship and support from her husband.
The Zhaos are seeking various forms of relief from the court. They request general damages against specific individuals associated with their care—Michelle Carpenter, M.D., Stavroula Otis, M.D., and Regents of the University of California—in amounts determined at trial. Additionally, they seek special damages for incurred expenses related to John’s condition and pre-judgment interest under Civil Code Section 3291.
Representing the plaintiffs is Markus B. Willoughby from Willoughby Law Firm Inc., while no specific attorneys are listed for the defense at this stage. The case is presided over by Judge Wilma Corrales under Case No. CGC-25-628602.
Source: CGC25628602_John_Zhao_v_Atlais_Clinical_Complaint_County_of_San_Francisco.pdf
Source: CGC25628602_John_Zhao_v_Atlais_Clinical_Complaint_County_of_San_Francisco.pdf
Source: CGC25628602_John_Zhao_v_Atlais_Clinical_Complaint_County_of_San_Francisco.pdf
