(Please note: the names and locations of all parties have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the participants in this medical malpractice/personal injury case and its proceedings.)
DAMAGE ISSUES
Plaintiff’s medical records contain the following descriptions:
This a 57-year-old Caucasian female status post anterior spinal fusion complicated with left lower extremity neuro deficit, abdominal wound infection, and occluded left common iliac artery. The patient underwent an anterior spinal fusion L4-S1. It was found during this operation the patient had some fibro-arterial occlusive disease. Her left iliac artery was occluded and required embolectomy and Dacron interposition graft to the left common iliac artery.
Postoperatively, the patient had an unhealed abdominal wound. The patient has a history of diabetes mellitus. Postoperatively, the wound had undergone Wound-Evac therapy. At various times the patient was offered a split-thickness skin graft. he wound also required multiple debridments and its was debrided on 08/26 and 08/29. Secondary to her diabetes, she did develop a wound infection with Pseudomonas and she was on appropriate antibiotics for a period of time. Endocrine was consulted for a tight control of her diabetes in order to promote wound healing.
57-year-old female developed paralysis of the left leg after she undervent anterior spine fusion which was complicated by iliac artery thrombosis and subsequent iliac bypass surgery on 7/22/02. She does not have sensation below the mid thigh level. She has history of diabetes and history of traumatic injury to the right upper extremity and amputation of the right leg. She is currently on an I.V. heparin drip.
This is an abnormal study. The absence of responses to nerve stimulation of the left leg is consistent with severe multiple neuropathies affecting the left leg such as could be seen after ischemia to the affected limb. A follow-up study when the patient is off anticoagulation will be helpful to further localize the site of the lesion.
On March 20, 2003, Dr. Smith wrote “the patient has lost function in the left lower extremity and that has not returned to any significant degree.” Plaintiff remains in that condition, and her damages are caused by that condition. Plaintiff is completely disabled. She can barely get out of bed and needs assistance to go to the bathroom and dress herself. Her damages are as follows: (See Part 4 of 4.)
For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.