Emily Willis Rehab Settlement
The family of former adult film actress Emily Willis has reached a $3 million settlement following a lawsuit that alleged a California rehabilitation facility failed to provide adequate medical care before she suffered a devastating brain injury.
Willis, whose legal name is Litzy Lara Banuelos, entered Summit Malibu in January 2024 seeking treatment for ketamine addiction. Just days after being admitted, she was found unconscious in her room and later suffered an anoxic brain injury after her brain was deprived of oxygen. According to her attorney, the injury left her permanently disabled and unable to move her body.
Lawsuit Alleged Delayed Medical Response
The lawsuit, filed by Willis’ mother and conservator, alleged staff members failed to recognize the seriousness of her worsening condition and delayed seeking emergency medical treatment.
Emergency responders reportedly performed CPR for 30 to 40 minutes before restoring her heartbeat and transporting her to a hospital. Although doctors were able to save her life, the prolonged lack of oxygen caused irreversible brain damage. Her attorney has said Willis will never recover from the injury and now requires lifelong medical care.
Judge Approves $3 Million Settlement
A Los Angeles County judge approved the $3 million settlement, which resolves the civil lawsuit without a trial. According to court records, approximately $1.25 million of the settlement will remain available for Willis after attorney fees, litigation expenses, and medical liens are paid. The funds will be used to help cover her ongoing care and treatment. Willis’ mother, Yesenia Lara Cooper, will continue serving as her legal conservator because Willis is unable to make decisions on her own.
Rehab Facility Denied Negligence
Summit Malibu denied any wrongdoing throughout the case. The rehabilitation center argued that staff members repeatedly encouraged Willis to seek treatment at an urgent care clinic or emergency room but claimed she refused those recommendations. The facility also maintained it could not legally force her to leave for medical treatment against her will. Despite those arguments, both sides ultimately agreed to settle the lawsuit before it reached trial.
Career Interrupted by Medical Emergency
Before entering rehab, Willis had become one of the adult entertainment industry’s most recognizable performers, earning multiple AVN Awards during her career. Her medical emergency abruptly ended her career and left her with permanent disabilities that require around-the-clock care.
While the settlement closes the legal dispute, it does not include an admission of liability by Summit Malibu. The case has drawn renewed attention to the responsibilities of addiction treatment centers in monitoring patients experiencing serious medical complications.
