In a dramatic legal move, a married couple has filed a lawsuit against a physician and her medical group, alleging negligence that led to the progression of an advanced cancer. The complaint was filed by Jennifer Kahler and her spouse Juliet Kyes in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida on February 7, 2025. They are suing Dr. Lisa Marie DiSanto and Diagnostic Clinic Medical Group, Inc., claiming severe medical oversights.
The plaintiffs allege that Dr. DiSanto and the Diagnostic Clinic Medical Group (DCMG) failed to provide adequate medical care over several years, resulting in Mrs. Kahler's cervical cancer progressing to an incurable stage. According to the complaint, Mrs. Kahler first visited the defendants on August 1, 2017, for routine gynecological screening. Despite abnormal Pap test results indicating potential cervical cancer risks reported on June 11, 2020, and again on June 14, 2021, the necessary follow-up actions were not communicated or undertaken by Dr. DiSanto or DCMG staff.
The lawsuit details that it wasn't until November 21, 2022, when Mrs. Kahler sought a new primary care physician due to ongoing symptoms that she was referred to a gynecologist who confirmed her diagnosis with advanced cervical cancer in March 2023. The plaintiffs argue this delay resulted from "failing to timely refer this high-risk patient for appropriate screening" among other alleged failures.
The plaintiffs seek compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 for what they describe as grievous bodily injury leading to pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and financial losses due to past and future medical expenses and loss of earnings capacity. Additionally, Juliet Kyes claims loss of companionship due to her wife's deteriorating health condition.
Representing Jennifer Kahler and Juliet Kyes is The Fernandez Firm from Tampa, Florida. The case is being overseen by Judge Ken Burke under Case Number: 25-000593-CI.