First Coast News, from Jacksonville, Fla., has reported that a 75 year-old woman has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against a hospital because they left an undetected staple in her Aorta that has left her legs useless since 2010.
The woman, C.W., has filed a lawsuit against Naval Hospital Jacksonville.
C.W. uses a cane to take only small steps and requires 24-hour care. Of her ordeal she said, “I thought I was gonna die. I really did.”
C.W. entered the naval hospital in May of 2010 to have a mass surgically removed from one of her kidneys. She said, “(The doctor) told me I'll be in the hospital three days and back to normal.”
Three days turned into four months because after the surgery C.W. said, “I felt like I couldn't move.”
Two days after her surgery, on May 28, a CT scan was ordered.
Sean Cronin, C.W.’s, attorney said, “The CT scan shows a problem with her aorta. The radiologist calls the surgeon and informs the surgeon it appears to be a dissection of the aorta, or it's a surgical-related problem, but either way she needs to have a CT scan done of her Aorta.”
But, Cronin continued, hospital records showed that the scan wasn’t completed timely. He said, “In this situation, it was over Memorial Day weekend and the medical records indicate nothing is done from the 28th until Tuesday, June 1.”
The scan confirmed that C.W. required a vascular surgeon, at the Mayo Clinic, to perform an emergency surgery.
That’s when the doctor’s records showed that the Aorta was stapled by mistake during her initial surgery.
Cronin stated, “We have a surgical error that took place that was not recognized. Once it was recognized by the attending radiologist, it was not acted upon. Ms. Williams is experiencing a medical emergency. She's unable to walk. She didn't have pulses in her legs and people are going home and going on vacation.”
C.W. suffered a spinal cord stroke, and permanent damage, because of a lack of blood to her legs. She can no longer drive, take care of her home, her yard, or herself without 24-hour assistance.
Hospital spokesperson, Tami Begasse, said, “At Naval Hospital Jacksonville our number one priority is to heal our nation's heros and their families.”
Begasse added, “When something does occur, we carefully investigate and identify any areas in which we can improve patient care or safety, and we do this as quickly as we can.”
Pending litigation prevents Begasse from further comment.
C.W. said of her situation, “I keep trusting in God. I know I'm gonna get stronger. I may not be completely well like I used to be, but I thank him for being here.”
If you have been left with irreparable damage after being under the care of a physician or hospital, you have grounds for a lawsuit. Contact a medical malpractice attorney today to discuss the ramifications of your case and monetary compensation.