What was supposed to be a life -saving medical intervention turned into an unimaginable nightmare for Jessic Powell, a 28 -year -old teacher from Camilly, Georgia.
In March 2013, after a collapse of severe illness, Powell was rushed to the hospital where the series would change her life forever. Twelve years later, the story of how the routine treatment was very wrong was attracted by the nation’s attention.
But was it just a tragic mistake, or was there anything much more sinister in this medical disaster? The battle in the courtroom revealed the shocking details of the care that Powell received, and the stunning verdict \ $ 70 million raised his eyebrows.
Questions around this case continue to persist because Powell’s victory emphasizes not only her incredible strength, but also worrying problems in the medical system that allowed such a tragedy to develop.
Twelve years after waking up in the hospital to find out that her legs were amputated, the Georgia teacher received one of the greatest health settlements in the state. In March 2013, Powell, then 28 years old and a teacher from Camilla, collapsed at home after closing the stomach virus and experienced complications from the lack of hormone.
She was quickly transported to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, where her doctors diagnosed with sepsis and shock. To stabilize her blood pressure, doctors managed medication to increase dangerously low. However, what was supposed to be the treatment of life rescue has become a disaster changing life.
The court records indicate that Powell received vasopresin two and a half times more than the maximum recommended dose and overdose took more than 40 hours. When vasopressin limits the blood vessels, Powell claimed that the excess dose caused a serious reduction in blood flow to her legs and legs and deprived them of oxygen. The result was amputation of both of her legs above the knee.
Powell filed a lawsuit and the legal battle stretched for 12 years.
At the age of 40, Powell finally faced the defendants in court. 23rd April, the jury in Dougherty County considered only 30 minutes to decide in its favor and awarded damages of $ 70 million.
Matt Cook, one of Powell’s main lawyers, noted, “That should tell you everything you need to know who was right.” He added: “The judgment was not a surprise for us because we knew from the beginning that her client was clearly treated by her doctor.”
Cook also explained the Institute in Atlanta: “What led to the result was repeated rejection and refusal to take responsibility in the face of great evidence of unlawful conduct.”
The Powell Court appointed several individuals and medical entities involved in her treatment, including doctors Joe Morgan, James Palazzolo and Thomas Ungarino, along with Albany Plricnary and Critical Care Associates and Albany Curs Specialist Center. All sides denied any mistake.
However, after two and a half weeks of testimony and evidence, the jury assigned 50% responsibility to Vascular Morgan and Albany and the remaining 50% Palazzol, Unowarin and Albany Pulmonary.
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, where the treatment had already been resolved by the Powell’s claims and was no longer part of the court proceedings.
Participants and medical groups have published a statement to disagree with the jury’s verdict and prevented their actions in difficult circumstances. They argued that bilateral amputations above the knees were an inevitable result of treatment to save life that Powell received.
However, Powell’s legal team disagreed with this defense. Shane Lazenby, another of her lawyers, commented: “Instead of admitting their mistake, which would probably resonate with the jury, denied it and insisted,” We wanted to manage care in this way. “
Lazenby also spoke of Powell’s character and said, “Jessica and her sisters are simply amazing people, and I think the jury has associated with them because they are really good individuals.”
In the post on the Cook Group LLC Facebook page, the spokesman added: “These doctors and their lawyers still refuse to accept responsibility.”
Finally, Powell’s long and strenuous path for justice culminated in an important victory, not only for her, but also for others who can face similar injustices in the health system. The rapid decision of the jury and the substantial appreciation sends a strong report on the responsibility and importance of recognition of errors in the medical field.
Although Powell’s life will forever be changed by the tragic consequences of her treatment, her perseverance in the search for justice brought her a hard earned feeling of closure. As he continues in his life, this case serves as a reminder of a deep impact that medical decisions on patient lives and the permanent strength of the legal system in the responsibility of healthcare providers may have.