Sherman, Texas – A jury in Collin County, Texas, has awarded a man from Lamar County a hefty sum of $6.2 million in a medical negligence lawsuit against a local doctor. The lawsuit alleged that the patient, Bill Proctor, was left paralyzed after a spinal surgery gone wrong.
Proctor’s attorney, Seth McCloskey, revealed that his client had a history of back problems, having previously undergone five back surgeries. According to McCloskey, Proctor sought the expertise of Dr. Mark Silver in Sherman to address his chronic back pain.
However, complications arose during the surgery in 2018, resulting in Proctor losing the use of his legs. The lawsuit contended that Dr. Silver’s negligence during the operation caused permanent impairment of Proctor’s bowels and bladder. The evidence presented in court pointed to Dr. Silver compressing or stretching the nerves and spinal column below the spinal cord.
Following a week-long trial, the jury found Dr. Silver 60% responsible for Proctor’s injuries, which, under Texas law, held him accountable for the entire outcome. As a result, the jury awarded Proctor $6.2 million in damages.
Proctor’s lawyer explained that a significant portion of the awarded amount is intended to cover future medical needs. A life care plan will ensure that Proctor receives the necessary care for the rest of his life.
Dr. Silver’s attorney, David Criss, expressed disagreement with the jury’s decision, stating that they believe the evidence does not support the verdict. They intend to request a new trial or appeal the outcome.
This case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences for medical professionals if they fail to provide proper care and protect their patients. Proctor’s attorney highlighted that it is not only the patients who suffer physically, emphasizing the importance of accountability for healthcare providers.
Representatives of Dr. Silver have filed a motion asking the court to set aside the verdict and enter a judgment in favor of their client based on the evidence presented during the trial. Dr. Silver, a board-certified neurosurgeon with 19 years of experience, holds the highest certification in his field.
The judgment in this case, as it stands, favors Proctor and holds Dr. Mark Silver responsible for the resulting harm.