Sacramento Woman Sues Hospital Over Damage Done to Her Face, Part 1 of 2

It is worth noting that situations similar to those described in this medical malpractice case could just as easily occur at any of the healthcare facilities in the area, such as Kaiser Permanente, UC Davis Medical Center, Mercy, Methodist, or Sutter.

(Please also note: the names and locations of all parties have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the participants in this personal injury lawsuit and its proceedings.)

Summary of Facts:

Mary Nevins said she was trained as a nurse but later began a career as a gala auctioneer, eventually becoming one of the best auctioneers in the Northwest.

She reportedly underwent a body scan in 2006 which revealed a right carotid artery significantly blocked with plaque. Nevins said she went to a Sacramento health facility to confirm her artery was blocked and determine what treatment was required. Sacramento health physicians reportedly confirmed that her artery was blocked and recommended a carotid endarterectomy.

Sam Oliver, MD, a vascular surgeon employed by Sacramento health, performed Nevins’s carotid endarterectomy June 12, 2006. Oliver reportedly used ultrasound to confirm the location of Nevins’s carotid bifurcation. Nevins said Oliver ligated and cut various branches of her facial vein to secure access to the internal carotid artery. Nevins claimed that while Oliver was ligating and cutting branches of her facial vein, he mistakenly cut her hypoglossal nerve.

For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.

Oliver reportedly realized his error and consulted with the head of Sacramento health’s otolaryngology department. Nevins said Oliver repaired the severed nerve without assistance and without using a microscope.

Nevins claimed she sustained permanent nerve damage, tongue disfigurement, a severe and permanent speech impairment, and swallowing difficulties as a result of the incident.

For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.