A medical negligence lawsuit has been filed against a physician accused of failing to provide adequate care during childbirth, resulting in severe complications for the patient. The complaint was filed by Sydnee and Rodney Emerald in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona on November 26, 2025, against Dr. Mark Stanley Wasserman.
The case centers around an incident that occurred on September 18, 2024, when Sydnee Emerald was admitted to Summit Healthcare in Show Low, Arizona, experiencing labor pains. Dr. Wasserman served as her attending obstetrician-gynecologist. According to the plaintiffs, Sydnee experienced a prolonged second stage of labor and cephalopelvic disproportion, which led Dr. Wasserman to recommend a cesarean section. However, they allege that Dr. Wasserman delayed performing the procedure for too long—resulting in severe complications such as internal bleeding and permanent injuries.
The plaintiffs claim that after the cesarean section was performed at approximately 5:00 PM on September 18, Sydnee suffered from hypotension and tachycardia due to internal bleeding from an erupted broad ligament hematoma. This condition required further surgical intervention by another doctor the following day. As a result of these complications, Sydnee now suffers from permanent injuries including severe adhesions affecting her small bowel, colon, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus.
Sydnee and Rodney Emerald argue that Dr. Wasserman’s failure to perform the cesarean section promptly and his lack of response to clear signs of internal bleeding constituted medical negligence. They contend that this negligence directly caused Sydnee’s extensive injuries and ongoing health issues.
In their complaint, the Emeralds seek various forms of relief from the court including actual damages for past and future medical expenses, consequential damages for pain and suffering, lost wages due to Sydnee’s inability to work post-injury, loss of consortium damages reflecting impact on their marital relationship, interest on all amounts awarded at the highest rate permissible by law; along with any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The legal representation for the plaintiffs is provided by Gregory J. Larson and Hyung S. Choi from Larson & Simpson PLC based in Chandler Arizona. The case is presided over by Judge MTM under Case ID 3:25-cv-08251-MTM.
Source: 325cv08251_Emerald_v_Wasserman_MD_Complaint_District_Arizona.pdf
