Chloe Cole Lawsuit, What the Medical Malpractice Case Against Kaiser Permanente Means for Your Legal Rights 2026
Chloe Cole is suing Kaiser Permanente for medical malpractice after receiving puberty blockers, testosterone, and a double mastectomy between ages 13 and 15, procedures she now says were performed without proper informed consent or psychological evaluation. As of February 2026, Cole’s case against Kaiser is still proceeding toward trial in California courts after surviving multiple dismissal attempts, and recent detransitioner lawsuits like Fox Varian’s $2 million verdict have created legal momentum for similar claims.
What Is the Chloe Cole Lawsuit?
The Chloe Cole lawsuit is a medical malpractice case filed against Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, the Permanente Medical Group, and individual doctors who treated Cole for gender dysphoria when she was a minor. Cole, now 21 years old, filed her lawsuit on February 22, 2023, in San Joaquin County Superior Court in California.
Cole alleges that between ages 13 and 17, medical professionals at Kaiser prescribed puberty blockers (Lupron) at age 13, testosterone injections starting at 13, and performed a double mastectomy at age 15. She claims doctors coerced her family by warning that she would commit suicide unless she medically transitioned.
The complaint states that doctors never provided adequate informed consent in medical malpractice documents, failed to explore less invasive psychiatric treatments, and did not properly evaluate underlying mental health conditions including autism and body dysmorphia.
Who Are the Defendants in the Case?
Cole’s lawsuit names Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, and the Permanente Medical Group as corporate defendants. Individual medical professionals named include Dr. Lisa Kristine Taylor (pediatric endocrinologist), Dr. Hop Nguyen Le (plastic surgeon who performed the mastectomy), and Dr. Susanne Watson (clinical psychologist).
Cole is represented by the Center for American Liberty, the Dhillon Law Group, and LiMandri & Jonna LLP. The legal team filed a 90-day notice of intent to sue on November 9, 2022, before formally filing the lawsuit in February 2023.
What Is the Current Status of the Chloe Cole Lawsuit?
As of February 2026, the Chloe Cole lawsuit is proceeding toward trial after overcoming significant procedural hurdles. Kaiser attempted to force the case into binding arbitration based on an employment-related arbitration clause in Cole’s mother’s union health insurance plan.
In April 2024, San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Robert Waters denied Kaiser’s motion to compel arbitration. Kaiser appealed, but on September 19, 2025, a three-justice appellate panel affirmed Judge Waters’ decision, holding that the arbitration provisions could not be enforced against Cole herself.
Following the appellate court victory, Cole’s attorneys announced the case would proceed to discovery and trial. In April 2024, Cole’s legal team filed a motion for leave to amend the complaint to add claims for punitive damages, alleging deliberate and malicious conduct by Kaiser doctors.
Cole stated in January 2026 that she expects to receive a trial date either in 2026 or 2027.
What Happened in February 2026 That Affects This Case?
The most significant development in February 2026 was the detransition lawsuit update 2026 involving Fox Varian. On January 30, 2026, a Westchester County, New York jury awarded Varian $2 million in the first detransitioner medical malpractice lawsuit to reach trial and secure a verdict.
Varian underwent a double mastectomy at age 16 in 2019. The jury found that both her psychologist and plastic surgeon departed from accepted medical standards by failing to adequately communicate with each other and not properly evaluating whether surgery was appropriate.
Chloe Cole celebrated the Varian verdict publicly, stating: “This gives me even more hope that I will get justice for myself.”
Charles LiMandri, Cole’s attorney, told The Washington Times that the claims in the Varian case mirror those in other detransitioner lawsuits including Cole’s. As of February 2026, approximately 28 detransitioner lawsuits have been filed nationwide.
What Medical Malpractice Standards Apply to These Cases?
Medical malpractice claims require proving that healthcare providers departed from accepted standards of care. In gender dysphoria treatment for minors, the primary standards come from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care, which recommend thorough psychological evaluation, exploration of alternative treatments, proper informed consent documentation, and coordination between mental health and surgical providers.
Cole’s lawsuit alleges that Kaiser doctors violated these standards by rushing her into irreversible treatments without adequate psychological evaluation. The complaint states that consent forms “contained no specific information regarding the actual risks of the testosterone and puberty blockers.”
What Are the Broader Legal Implications?
The Chloe Cole lawsuit and similar detransitioner litigation could significantly impact how healthcare providers approach gender-affirming care for minors. The Varian verdict has already created ripple effects in the medical community, with providers reassessing informed consent procedures and psychological evaluation protocols.
Medical malpractice insurance carriers are reportedly increasing premiums for providers who offer gender-affirming care to minors. Following the Varian verdict, this trend is expected to accelerate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Chloe Cole suing Kaiser Permanente for?
Cole is suing for medical malpractice, claiming Kaiser doctors prescribed puberty blockers, testosterone, and performed a double mastectomy without proper informed consent or psychological evaluation. Her lawsuit alleges doctors coerced her family with false suicide warnings.
Has the Chloe Cole lawsuit gone to trial yet?
No. As of February 2026, Cole’s case is still in the pretrial phase after defeating Kaiser’s attempts to force arbitration. Cole expects a trial date in 2026 or 2027.
How much is Chloe Cole suing for?
Cole seeks unspecified compensatory damages for pain, suffering, permanent bodily damage, and future medical expenses. Her attorneys filed to add punitive damages in April 2024.
What was the Fox Varian verdict and how does it affect Chloe Cole’s case?
On January 30, 2026, Fox Varian won $2 million in the first detransitioner lawsuit to reach trial. The verdict established that juries will hold providers accountable for inadequate screening and informed consent failures.
Are there other detransitioner lawsuits besides Chloe Cole’s?
Yes. As of February 2026, approximately 28 detransitioner lawsuits have been filed across the United States, including cases by Kayla Lovdahl, Prisha Mosley, and Luka Hein.
Last Updated: February 3, 2026
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Chloe Cole lawsuit but does not constitute legal advice for specific situations.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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