Anthony Fossett was a young aspiring musician and a beloved member of his community. An alumnus of Youth Radio’s Core and Bridge program, Anthony wanted to be a music producer and hoped to eventually start his own studio. Anthony had begun performing at the Oakland Museum and was helping to produce local rap artists. He was making great strides to achieve his dreams until medical negligence derailed it all.
Upon discovering that Anthony was having heart problems, doctors determined that a mitral valve surgery was necessary to save his life. While in surgery, the doctors placed the valve incorrectly, causing it to leak and triggering further complications. Anthony’s mother, Regina, begged them to attempt corrective surgery but the hospital refused and claimed that medications would correct their mistake. A few days later, the replacement valve broke apart, causing Anthony’s heart failure and death.
Anthony’s mother sought justice for her son and hoped to hold the negligent doctors that killed him accountable. However, because of the nearly 50-year-old cap that limits compensation for injured patients to $250,000, she could not find a lawyer to take her case.
