York, PA — A York County jury has set a precedent by awarding a Manchester man $23.87 million in a landmark medical malpractice case. This ruling against Wellspan York Hospital and a now-retired surgeon marks the highest compensation ever awarded in the county’s history for such a lawsuit.
James Spangler, 58, was subjected to a medical ordeal that left him severely paralyzed after a 2019 surgical mishap. He underwent a cervical laminoplasty, a procedure intended to relieve spinal pressure, which tragically led to most of his body being paralyzed when the operation went awry.
According to courtroom records, Dr. Joseph Krzeminski, who has since retired, failed to heed early signs of complications during the operation. He erroneously placed a screw in Spangler’s neck and subsequently reported no complications in his medical notes.
Upon waking from the procedure, Spangler discovered he could only move his toes, heralding a drastically changed life ahead. For the past five years, his wife, Wendy, has been his primary caregiver, assisting with all daily activities gradually mitigated to limited independence.
Recently, Spangler regained some mobility and can now walk short distances. However, as described by his attorney, Iddo Harel of Ross Feller Casey, LLP, his movements are restricted, and he faces significant challenges, including an inability to use his dominant left hand or cut his own food. He requires constant accompaniment and supervision to handle basic activities and emergency situations.
The substantial award from the jury will go toward providing round-the-clock nursing care for Spangler, allowing him some semblance of comfort and dignity in his altered life condition. The verdict also included specific amounts for past and future losses, emphasizing physical and emotional damages, with $7 million allocated for future pain and suffering.
Harel noted the outcome dispels the often-held belief that rural area juries are reticent to grant large payouts in medical malpractice cases. The swift decision by the jury, following just an hour of deliberation on the eighth day, underscored a clear acknowledgment of negligence and malpractice in Spangler’s treatment.
A spokesperson from WellSpan Health expressed disappointment in the verdict, hinting at potential appeals while maintaining the organization’s commitment to high-quality patient care. The statement indicated a strong disagreement with the jury’s findings but did not delve into specifics due to ongoing legal considerations.
This case highlights significant issues within medical practice and oversight, serving as a sober reminder of the human costs of medical errors. It also stands as a testament to the judicial system’s role in addressing such grievances and underlines the need for meticulousness in surgical practices.
The Spangler case now surpasses previous records in York County, where the highest prior malpractice award was approximately $6.5 million in the 1990s, demonstrating a significant shift in jury attitudes towards compensating medical malpractice victims adequately. This shift is not just about the monetary figures but symbolizes a weightier recognition of the impacts such medical mishaps can have on individuals’ lives.