York, PA — In a striking medical malpractice case, a Pennsylvania jury has awarded nearly $24 million to a man who suffered severe spinal injuries due to a surgical error at WellSpan York Hospital. James Spangler, a former mechanic, underwent spinal surgery in October 2019 that left him with life-altering disabilities when a screw was mistakenly inserted into his spinal cord.
During the procedure intended to alleviate spinal stenosis, neurosurgeon Joseph Krzeminski, MD, failed to adjust the operation even after an intraoperative monitoring system flagged the error. Spangler, 58, awoke with significant impairments, prompting decades of physical challenges ahead.
The situation deteriorated further as Spangler reportedly couldn’t get corrective surgery until 22 hours later, a delay that contributed to his permanent damage. Post-operatively, despite extensive physical therapy, regaining only limited mobility left him struggling with everyday activities.
Legal proceedings culminated in September 2024, revealing that Dr. Krzeminski had already retired from WellSpan York Hospital. Nevertheless, he was named as a defendant alongside the hospital in the malpractice lawsuit brought by Spangler. The trial, lasting eight days, resulted in a jury decisively siding with Spangler after just one hour of deliberation.
This legal victory not only granted Spangler a substantial monetary award but also marked a record in York county for the highest amount ever awarded in a medical malpractice case, substantially surpassing previous figures.
Reflecting on the case, attorney Iddo Harel of Ross Feller Casey law firm highlighted the jury’s recognition of the profound impact the negligence had on Spangler’s life. “This decision underscores the jurors’ understanding of both the physical and emotional toll such injuries can inflict on a patient and the need for accountability within our healthcare systems,” Harel said.
WellSpan Health responded to the verdict by expressing disappointment and hinted at possible appeals, emphasizing its commitment to high-quality patient care despite the unfavorable ruling.
Medical experts stress that spinal surgeries carry inherent risks, including paralysis and neurological damage. Joel S. Beckett, MD from DISC Sports and Spine Center in California, noted that protecting the spinal cord and nerves is paramount during these intricate procedures. “The consequences of any damage can be devastating, which is why every precaution must be taken,” Beckett stated.
Advancements in spinal surgery techniques and safety practices have evolved to reduce these risks significantly. Minimally invasive surgical approaches, better imaging tools, and innovative surgical instruments have all contributed to safer outcomes and quicker recoveries for patients.
As technologies progress, continuous improvements in patient communication and preoperative preparations are also helping translate into better outcomes and potentially lower incidents of complications and malpractice.
The Spangler case brings critical attention to the ongoing need for meticulous surgical precision and diligence within medical facilities, not just in Pennsylvania but internationally, to prevent avoidable harms and ensure patient safety in all health-related interventions.