A jury awarded $27 million to a couple who alleged a spinal cord stimulator led to a man’s permanent spine injuries, Florida Today reported Dec. 18.
The man was admitted to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Fla., for a spine surgery that involved placement of a spinal cord stimulator, the report said. After surgery, he reported signs of spinal cord compression from a hematoma. Complications left him partially paralyzed, and experts in the trial argued that nurses failed to properly evaluate him and recognize signs of a potential spinal cord injury.
The couple’s attorneys said the defense was adamant about not settling the case, the report said.
The jury found the hospital 75% responsible for the man’s injuries, and the surgical team was 25% liable.
Health First officials told Florida Today that they plan to appeal the ruling.
“We maintain that the medical care provided in this case met all standards of practice,” the system said. “As such, we are disappointed in the outcome of this decision and plan to appeal. We will have no further comment while the case remains in litigation.”
