$400,000 Legal Settlement After Surgical Error by Dr. David D. Yeh！ Dr. David D. Yeh, a neurosurgeon, was the subject of a significant medical negligence lawsuit (Case No. 16CV296817, Billy Usher et al. vs. David Yeh, MD), filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. According to publicly available court records, the case was resolved through a court-supervised settlement conference on May 29, 2019, in which Dr. Yeh's malpractice insurance provider agreed to pay a $400,000 settlement to the plaintiffs. The payment was made in full release of all claims related to the incident described in the complaint. The official settlement order was signed by Hon. Peter H. Kirwan, Superior Court Judge. Reference - Court Docket Access: Santa Clara County Superior Court Portal: https://portal.scscourt.org/search Enter Case Number: 16CV296817 The Stipulation and Order Re Settlement document confirms the settlement under California Code of Civil Procedure §664.6. Allegations Behind the Settlement: The case stemmed from an April 2015 surgery, in which Dr. Yeh performed carpal tunnel release on patient Billy Usher. During the operation, Dr. Yeh accidentally severed the patient's median nerve -- a critical nerve that controls sensation and motor function in the hand. This devastating surgical error left the patient with permanent hand dysfunction, pain, and disability. The plaintiffs alleged that the injury was entirely preventable and directly caused by Dr. Yeh's negligence during what should have been a routine outpatient procedure. The long-term impact on the patient's quality of life was profound. Why This Matters: While the case was settled without a trial, a $400,000 payout is a serious indicator of liability and damages. Such settlements are not offered lightly by insurers unless the underlying case is strong and the medical error substantial. Patients place tremendous trust in their surgeons. In this case, that trust was catastrophically violated. Bottom Line: If you are considering Dr. David D. Yeh for surgical care -- particularly hand, nerve, or neurosurgical procedures -- you owe it to yourself to carefully review the details of this case. The public court record raises serious concerns about surgical skill, clinical judgment, and accountability. This was not a paperwork error -- it was a surgical mistake with permanent, life-altering consequences. read more

My Mother's Surgery with Dr. David Yeh - No Consent, No Follow-Up, No Accountability! On January 14, 2022, my mother, who was nearly 80 years old, was diagnosed with a 2 cm grade 1 meningioma at El Camino Health-Mountain View Hospital. The tumor was benign, slow-growing, and she had no neurological symptoms. She was living independently and doing well. I am her legal medical representative, as she does not speak English. Due to COVID-related hospital restrictions in place at the time, I was not allowed to be physically present during any of her medical visits. I never met Dr. David Yeh in person. All communication was conducted over the phone. During our phone consultation, I asked whether conservative management might be an option. Dr. Yeh was extremely forceful, repeatedly insisting that surgery was the only viable path. He described it as "very low risk" and did not engage in a real discussion of alternatives. What troubles me to this day is that I was never presented with any written informed consent form. Instead, I received a single phone call, during which I gave verbal acknowledgment only. I did not feel I had enough time or information to make a fully informed decision. Yet the surgery was scheduled almost immediately, just four days after the initial diagnosis. The surgery took place on January 18, 2022. Tragically, my mother suffered serious complications and remained in critical condition. Dr. Yeh never visited or followed up afterward. Despite multiple attempts by hospital staff to reach him, he did not respond. Only after repeated and urgent pressure from the hospital staff did Dr. Yeh finally call me two days before my mother passed away. The call was about five minutes. He did not ask about her condition and instead told me multiple times that he was "not responsible." My mother died on February 28, forty days after the surgery. Due to the seriousness of this experience, I submitted a formal complaint to the California Medical Board in May 2025, which I have been informed is currently under active review. I share this not out of anger, but out of a deep sense of duty to other families. If your loved one is elderly, asymptomatic, or vulnerable, please ask detailed questions, insist on clear consent processes, and never feel pressured into rushed decisions. You have the right to be heard, respected, and fully informed. read more

No proper consent, no follow-up, and questionable judgment for an elderly patient In January 2022, my mother was diagnosed with a 2 cm grade 1 meningioma at El Camino Health. She was nearly 80 years old, fully independent, and had no neurological symptoms. I was her legal medical representative, as she does not speak English. Due to COVID-related visitor restrictions, I could not be physically present at the hospital and never met Dr. David Yeh in person. All communication occurred over the phone. During our only conversation, I asked if watchful waiting might be appropriate, given her age and lack of symptoms. Dr. Yeh strongly dismissed that option and repeatedly insisted that surgery was the only viable path. He described it as very low-risk and scheduled the operation just four days after the diagnosis. What troubles me deeply is that I was never presented with a written informed consent document. I gave verbal acknowledgment over the phone, but I did not feel I had enough time or information to make a fully informed decision. After the surgery, my mother experienced serious complications and remained in critical condition. Dr. Yeh never followed up. Despite repeated attempts by hospital staff to contact him, he did not respond. He only called me two days before my mother passed away after what I was told was persistent pressure from the hospital. The call lasted around five minutes, during which he repeatedly stated that he was "not responsible" and spoke in a blunt and dismissive tone. From what I've since learned, a 2 cm grade 1 meningioma in an elderly, asymptomatic patient is typically managed conservatively with observation and periodic MRI monitoring. Surgery is not standard unless the tumor causes symptoms or shows rapid growth. This makes the urgency and pressure behind my mother's surgery even more difficult to understand. I am sharing this experience to caution other families: ask questions, request documentation, and take the time you need especially when elderly or non-English-speaking patients are involved. You deserve clarity, empathy, and full medical transparency. read more

Devastating Surgical Outcome - Court Records Tell the Story A documented case of severe surgical error involving Dr. David D. Yeh has raised major concerns about his standard of care. According to Santa Clara County Superior Court filings (Case: Usher v. Yeh, 2016), Dr. Yeh performed carpal tunnel release surgery in April 2015 on patient Billy Usher, during which he accidentally severed the patient's median nerve -- a catastrophic injury leading to permanent hand dysfunction and pain. The lawsuit (see: Trellis Law source) states that the patient was not informed of the injury until over a month after the surgery (May 14, 2015), and that Dr. Yeh failed to adequately disclose surgical risks before the procedure. The legal complaint details substantial damages including chronic pain, inability to work, and multiple corrective surgeries. In addition to the lawsuit, online patient reviews echo similar experiences: On RateMDs.com, a family member of an elderly patient shared that Dr. Yeh pressured them into brain surgery despite a benign tumor and no symptoms. Post-surgery, the patient deteriorated rapidly and died within weeks. The reviewer describes a lack of follow-up and empathy from Yeh and labeled the experience as "devastating and unjustified." On Vitals.com, multiple patients describe botched back surgeries, dismissive bedside manner, and chronic pain after surgery. One wrote, "I was in worse shape after the operation than before. Now I use a walker every morning." Despite these serious complaints, the California Medical Board has no record of disciplinary action against Dr. Yeh (MBC License Lookup), raising questions about systemic accountability. Summary: Patients deserve not just surgical skill, but honesty, communication, and follow-through. In this case, Dr. Yeh's treatment -- both clinically and ethically -- appears severely deficient, as backed by court records and multiple independent patient reviews. Anyone considering surgery under his care should exercise extreme caution. read more

Proceed with Caution -- Especially for Elderly Patients! On January 14, 2022, my elderly mother (almost 80) was diagnosed with a 2 cm grade 1 meningioma at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View. It was a slow-growing, benign tumor. She had no neurological symptoms, was fully independent, and living a good quality life. Despite this, Dr. David D. Yeh strongly urged immediate brain surgery. I voiced concerns about her age, the tumor's non-aggressive nature, and the fact that it wasn't impairing her in any way. I asked whether non-surgical or conservative management could be considered. Dr. Yeh dismissed those questions, saying, "surgery is the only option," and cited vague future risks like falling. He called it a "very low risk" procedure. The surgery was performed on January 18. Tragically, my mother developed serious complications afterward and passed away on February 28 -- just 40 days later. What was most distressing was the complete lack of post-operative care and communication. Despite numerous attempts by hospital staff to reach Dr. Yeh for updates or follow-up, he did not visit or inquire about her condition. There was no contact, no professional involvement, no check-ins. One or two days before she passed, after repeated escalations by the hospital's team, Dr. Yeh finally called me. The call lasted about five minutes. He expressed no concern, asked nothing about her status, and only repeated that he was "not responsible" for what happened. This experience has left us devastated -- not only because of the outcome but because of how cold, distant, and disengaged the care felt. I write this not out of anger, but in the hope that others can make informed decisions. If you're considering surgery under Dr. Yeh's care -- particularly for older patients or cases that may allow for more conservative options -- I urge you to seek multiple opinions and ask direct questions about follow-up and support. My mother deserved better. I hope this helps protect someone else's loved one. read more

Proceed with Caution -- Especially for Elderly Patients！ On January 14, 2022, my elderly mother (almost 80) was diagnosed with a 2 cm grade 1 meningioma at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View. It was a slow-growing, benign tumor. She had no neurological symptoms, was fully independent, and living a good quality life. Despite this, Dr. David D. Yeh strongly urged immediate brain surgery. I voiced concerns about her age, the tumor's non-aggressive nature, and the fact that it wasn't impairing her in any way. I asked whether non-surgical or conservative management could be considered. Dr. Yeh dismissed those questions, saying, "surgery is the only option," and cited vague future risks like falling. He called it a "very low risk" procedure. The surgery was performed on January 18. Tragically, my mother developed serious complications afterward and passed away on February 28 -- just 40 days later. What was most distressing was the complete lack of post-operative care and communication. Despite numerous attempts by hospital staff to reach Dr. Yeh for updates or follow-up, he did not visit or inquire about her condition. There was no contact, no professional involvement, no check-ins. One or two days before she passed, after repeated escalations by the hospital's team, Dr. Yeh finally called me. The call lasted about five minutes. He expressed no concern, asked nothing about her status, and only repeated that he was "not responsible" for what happened. This experience has left us devastated -- not only because of the outcome but because of how cold, distant, and disengaged the care felt. I write this not out of anger, but in the hope that others can make informed decisions. If you're considering surgery under Dr. Yeh's care -- particularly for older patients or cases that may allow for more conservative options -- I urge you to seek multiple opinions and ask direct questions about follow-up and support. My mother deserved better. I hope this helps protect someone else's loved one read more

Proceed with Caution -- Especially for Elderly Patients！ On January 14, 2022, my elderly mother (almost 80) was diagnosed with a 2 cm grade 1 meningioma at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View. It was a slow-growing, benign tumor. She had no neurological symptoms, was fully independent, and living a good quality life. Despite this, Dr. David D. Yeh strongly urged immediate brain surgery. I voiced concerns about her age, the tumor's non-aggressive nature, and the fact that it wasn't impairing her in any way. I asked whether non-surgical or conservative management could be considered. Dr. Yeh dismissed those questions, saying, "surgery is the only option," and cited vague future risks like falling. He called it a "very low risk" procedure. The surgery was performed on January 18. Tragically, my mother developed serious complications afterward and passed away on February 28 -- just 40 days later. What was most distressing was the complete lack of post-operative care and communication. Despite numerous attempts by hospital staff to reach Dr. Yeh for updates or follow-up, he did not visit or inquire about her condition. There was no contact, no professional involvement, no check-ins. One or two days before she passed, after repeated escalations by the hospital's team, Dr. Yeh finally called me. The call lasted about five minutes. He expressed no concern, asked nothing about her status, and only repeated that he was "not responsible" for what happened. This experience has left us devastated -- not only because of the outcome but because of how cold, distant, and disengaged the care felt. I write this not out of anger, but in the hope that others can make informed decisions. If you're considering surgery under Dr. Yeh's care -- particularly for older patients or cases that may allow for more conservative options -- I urge you to seek multiple opinions and ask direct questions about follow-up and support. My mother deserved better. I hope this helps protect someone else's loved one read more

Proceed with Caution -- Especially for Elderly Patients！ On January 14, 2022, my elderly mother (almost 80) was diagnosed with a 2 cm grade 1 meningioma at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View. It was a slow-growing, benign tumor. She had no neurological symptoms, was fully independent, and living a good quality life. Despite this, Dr. David D. Yeh strongly urged immediate brain surgery. I voiced concerns about her age, the tumor's non-aggressive nature, and the fact that it wasn't impairing her in any way. I asked whether non-surgical or conservative management could be considered. Dr. Yeh dismissed those questions, saying, "surgery is the only option," and cited vague future risks like falling. He called it a "very low risk" procedure. The surgery was performed on January 18. Tragically, my mother developed serious complications afterward and passed away on February 28 -- just 40 days later. What was most distressing was the complete lack of post-operative care and communication. Despite numerous attempts by hospital staff to reach Dr. Yeh for updates or follow-up, he did not visit or inquire about her condition. There was no contact, no professional involvement, no check-ins. One or two days before she passed, after repeated escalations by the hospital's team, Dr. Yeh finally called me. The call lasted about five minutes. He expressed no concern, asked nothing about her status, and only repeated that he was "not responsible" for what happened. This experience has left us devastated -- not only because of the outcome but because of how cold, distant, and disengaged the care felt. I write this not out of anger, but in the hope that others can make informed decisions. If you're considering surgery under Dr. Yeh's care -- particularly for older patients or cases that may allow for more conservative options -- I urge you to seek multiple opinions and ask direct questions about follow-up and support. My mother deserved better. I hope this helps protect someone else's loved one read more

Proceed with Caution, Especially for Elderly Patients! On January 14, 2022, my elderly mother (almost 80) was diagnosed with a 2 cm grade 1 meningioma at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View. It was a slow-growing, benign tumor. She had no neurological symptoms, was fully independent, and living a good quality life. Despite this, Dr. David D. Yeh strongly urged immediate brain surgery. I voiced concerns about her age, the tumor's non-aggressive nature, and the fact that it wasn't impairing her in any way. I asked whether non-surgical or conservative management could be considered. Dr. Yeh dismissed those questions, saying, "surgery is the only option," and cited vague future risks like falling. He called it a "very low risk" procedure. The surgery was performed on January 18. Tragically, my mother developed serious complications afterward and passed away on February 28, just 40 days later. What was most distressing was the complete lack of post-operative care and communication. Despite numerous attempts by hospital staff to reach Dr. Yeh for updates or follow-up, he did not visit or inquire about her condition. There was no contact, no professional involvement, no check-ins. One or two days before she passed, after repeated escalations by the hospital's team, Dr. Yeh finally called me. The call lasted about five minutes. He expressed no concern, asked nothing about her status, and only repeated that he was "not responsible" for what happened. This experience has left us devastated, not only because of the outcome but because of how cold, distant, and disengaged the care felt. I write this not out of anger, but in the hope that others can make informed decisions. If you're considering surgery under Dr. Yeh's care, particularly for older patients or cases that may allow for more conservative options. I urge you to seek multiple opinions and ask direct questions about follow-up and support. My mother deserved better. I hope this helps protect someone else's loved one. read more

On January 14, 2022, my elderly mother (almost 80) was diagnosed with a 2 cm grade 1 meningioma at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View. It was a slow-growing, benign tumor. She had no neurological symptoms, was fully independent, and living a good quality life. Despite this, Dr. David D. Yeh strongly urged immediate brain surgery. I voiced concerns about her age, the tumor's non-aggressive nature, and the fact that it wasn't impairing her in any way. I asked whether non-surgical or conservative management could be considered. Dr. Yeh dismissed those questions, saying, "surgery is the only option," and cited vague future risks like falling. He called it a "very low risk" procedure. The surgery was performed on January 18. Tragically, my mother developed serious complications afterward and passed away on February 28 -- just 40 days later. What was most distressing was the complete lack of post-operative care and communication. Despite numerous attempts by hospital staff to reach Dr. Yeh for updates or follow-up, he did not visit or inquire about her condition. There was no contact, no professional involvement, no check-ins. One or two days before she passed, after repeated escalations by the hospital's team, Dr. Yeh finally called me. The call lasted about five minutes. He expressed no concern, asked nothing about her status, and only repeated that he was "not responsible" for what happened. This experience has left us devastated -- not only because of the outcome but because of how cold, distant, and disengaged the care felt. I write this not out of anger, but in the hope that others can make informed decisions. If you're considering surgery under Dr. Yeh's care -- particularly for older patients or cases that may allow for more conservative options -- I urge you to seek multiple opinions and ask direct questions about follow-up and support. My mother deserved better. I hope this helps protect someone else's loved one read more

A Dangerous Doctor - What Happened Under Dr. David Yeh's Care Was Unforgivable! This review is written on behalf of a family whose life was permanently altered by the actions of Dr. David D. Yeh. The patient underwent a routine carpal tunnel surgery in 2015 -- but due to Dr. Yeh's reckless choices, that procedure turned into a catastrophic, irreversible injury. Dr. Yeh used an experimental surgical device (MANOS CTR) that most surgeons do not use. He never informed the patient that he had a $100,000 personal investment in the company that made the device. He failed to offer safer, well-established alternatives such as traditional open surgery, and provided no adequate explanation of risks. He performed the surgery with: - The nerve safety monitor turned off, - The patient under deep sedation, unable to provide feedback, - No visualization of the nerve, relying solely on ultrasound -- which he admitted he was not trained to use with this device. The result? The median nerve was completely severed. The patient -- once fully independent -- lost critical function in one hand, and now lives with permanent disability, pain, and emotional trauma. MRI and EMG confirmed the nerve was cut. A second surgeon had to perform emergency graft surgery -- too late for full recovery. Court records (Case No. 16CV296817, Santa Clara County) show that: - Dr. Yeh's insurer paid a $400,000 settlement to resolve the malpractice suit; - Medical experts testified that his conduct fell far below the standard of care; - On June 25, 2019, the case was dismissed WITH PREJUDICE (see official court form CIV-110), confirming the case was fully resolved and cannot be refiled. This case is not about a 'bad outcome.' It is about negligence, undisclosed financial conflict, and irreversible harm caused by one doctor's poor judgment. The family deeply regrets ever trusting Dr. Yeh. Patients deserve honesty, safety, and ethical care -- not this. read more