Kenneth Hamilton has filed a lawsuit against Dr. Jose Fernando Santacruz, alleging medical negligence that led to the death of his wife, Sondra Hamilton. The complaint was filed on October 31, 2024, in Harris County, Texas, by Kenneth Hamilton both individually and as a representative of his wife's estate.
The case centers around the medical care provided by Dr. Santacruz to Sondra Hamilton between August 24 and August 30, 2022. Dr. Santacruz was consulted as a pulmonologist after Ms. Hamilton underwent a procedure due to shortness of breath. During this period, he reportedly used template-style diagnoses and failed to properly address her symptoms which included potential pulmonary edema. Despite these symptoms, Ms. Hamilton was discharged to a nursing home on August 30, 2022.
The day after her discharge, Ms. Hamilton's condition worsened significantly; she experienced severe shortness of breath and was found to have "very wet" lungs with crackles and wheezing. She was subsequently hospitalized for acute hypoxic respiratory failure due to pleural effusions—a condition that had been previously noted but inadequately managed by Dr. Santacruz according to the complaint.
Kenneth Hamilton claims that Dr. Santacruz's failure to adhere to standard medical care directly contributed to his wife's declining health and eventual death in April 2023. The lawsuit accuses Dr. Santacruz of negligence for not properly diagnosing or treating Ms. Hamilton’s condition during her hospital stay in late August 2022.
The plaintiffs are seeking judgment against Dr. Santacruz for damages within the jurisdictional limits of the court, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest as allowed by law, costs of suit, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Kenneth Hamilton is attorney Collin D. Cobb from Port Neches, Texas. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-76238 in Harris County District Court under Judge Patricia Jones.