In a landmark case in Pima County, a jury awarded a woman $5.3 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit, regarded as the largest such verdict in the county in five years.
The plaintiff, a resident of Oro Valley, suffered life-altering consequences due to a surgical error. The lawsuit involved Northwest Allied Physicians and a specific doctor, with the jury reaching their decision after a week-long trial. The victim underwent shoulder replacement surgery at Oro Valley Hospital in September 2020, but the procedure resulted in a catastrophic error. The surgeon mistakenly tied off her axillary artery and neurovascular bundle, leading to the amputation of her arm.
Despite the substantial financial compensation, the woman expressed that no amount could adequately compensate for the loss of a limb and the resulting loss of independence. Simple tasks like washing hair, using a shampoo pump, or opening a water bottle became challenging for her.
Her attorney highlighted that the doctor had admitted liability before the trial. The victim, grappling with the ongoing challenges posed by the surgical error, voiced her desire for accountability. She hopes the surgeon faces appropriate consequences, such as license revocation or mandatory further education, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
While the trial has concluded, the woman's journey towards recovery continues. She is exploring the possibility of getting a prosthetic arm, although the extent of her upper limb's functionality remains uncertain and requires further testing.
As of now, Northwest Allied Physicians has not issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit or its outcome. The case stands as a significant example of the ramifications of medical errors and the quest for justice and accountability in the healthcare sector.
The woman's experience underscores the profound impact such incidents can have on a patient's life, far beyond the financial implications.
