Patient awarded $3.2M after South Carolina VA failed to treat spinal injury

Spine

U.S. Army veteran George Egan won a $3.23 million settlement against Columbia, S.C.-based W.J.B Dorn VA Medical Center, according to The State.

The Purple Heart-winning veteran suffered a spinal injury that was inadequately treated, causing Mr. Egan to become paralyzed. Mr. Egan's helicopter was shot down, causing his lower back injury and shrapnel-riddled legs.

In 2010, Mr. Egan underwent an MRI for his back pain. The images showed a reputed disc. While the Dorn VA Medical Center had a neurosurgery department at the time of Mr. Egan's diagnosis, the medical center did not have a neurosurgeon on staff.

The medical center declined to send send Mr. Egan to another spine specialist, instead treating the ruptured disc with injections and oral drugs. Mr. Egan underwent 16 months of ineffective treatment and ultimately ended up unable to walk, according to the report.

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