Alleged Podiatric Surgery Caused Nerve Damage During Tarsal Tunnel Surgery (FL)
Facts: Plaintiffs Mark and Patricia Hughes alleged that a podiatric surgeon was negligent when he performed a tarsal tunnel decompression surgery on Mr. Hughes on Oct. 19, 2010. Mr. Hughes had originally been injured by a pressure cleaner, causing damage requiring the tarsal tunnel surgery. Plaintiffs claimed that Defendant mistakenly placed a "running suture" through the tarsal tibial nerve, causing nerve damage.
Defendants denied plaintiffs' claims before and during trial, and further argued at trial that there was no objective or credible evidence to support plaintiffs' claims of liability or damages. Plaintiffs demanded $8,968,898 apportioned as follows: $1,902,528 for pain and suffering, $5,991,940 for future pain and suffering, $190,252 for loss of consortium, and $884,278 for future medical expenses. Additionally, defendants agreed prior to trial to pay a healthcare lien in the event of a verdict in favor of plaintiffs.
Result: Following a trial before Judge Martin Colin, the jury reached a verdict for defendants on Oct. 28, 2016 ($0).
Plaintiff Expert: Joshua Marc Bernard, DPM, Tampa, FL
Defendant's Experts: Steven Spinner, DPM, Plantation, FL, Allen Jacobs, DPM , St. Louis, MO
Source: Jury Verdict Reporter
