Posted on 09/13/2005 10:58:25 AM PDT by KJC1
Man Sues Over Leg amputation after Ingrown Toenail LAST UPDATE: 9/13/2005 12:46:58 PM
WACO, Texas (AP) - A farmer whose right leg was amputated five days after he sought treatment for an ingrown toenail has filed a negligence lawsuit against a hospital.
Troy Zacharias, a diabetic who contracted a flesh-eating infection after his toenail was removed in 2003, seeks unspecified damages against Scott & White Memorial Hospital, the Scott, Sherwood and Brindley Foundation, Scott & White Clinic and Dr. Matthew R. Porter, a former employee at the Scott & White Clinic in Waco.
The lawsuit filed last week claims the Zacharias, 38, of McGregor suffered "unspeakable" pain, mental anguish and disfigurement.
His attorney Jim Hering declined comment on the lawsuit.
Attorney Bob Burleson, who represents Scott & White, said the lawsuit is without merit and that Zacharias is alive only "because he got the very best of care." Porter, who no longer works at the clinic, did not return phone messages.
Zacharias had a fever two days after his toenail was removed, so he went to the clinic. Instead of examining his foot, Porter prescribed a medication for flu-like symptoms even though flu cultures proved negative, the suit alleges.
Zacharias' condition worsened and the pain in his right leg became severe, according to the suit. He returned to the clinic a few days later, where another doctor ordered his immediate hospitalization.
Zacharias' wife drove him to Scott & White Hospital in nearby Temple where "virtually nothing was done for Troy for hours after he arrived," the lawsuit claims.
After his leg was cut off just above the right knee, Zacharias suffered kidney failure and a heart attack. By the next day, he suffered multi-system organ failure and could breathe only with a ventilator, the suit says.
Over the next few months, Zacharias had more surgeries and procedures on the leg, according to the suit.
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Information from: Waco Tribune-Herald, http://www.accesswaco.com
He sounds like one of those diabetics that won't take care of themselves. So a simple ingrown toenail turns into a life threatening infection. The gangrene could have killed him.
My late mother contracted an unidentifiable strain of staph infection after treatment at a "foot clinic." It took them two weeks to find the right antibiotic and she nearly died.
Sheesh! The way I read it I thought he'd gone in for an ingrown toenail and they'd cut his leg off. This is a bit different!
In all fairness, when any diabetic presents a visual 'look' at the lower extremities should be included. Diabetics can have a loss of feeling in the feet and legs, so a check can look for infection sites. Also, didn't they have his history (did they do the original toenail work treatment?)...that alone should have prompted a look at the surgery site.
Friend of my wifes almost lost her leg at BMH in Memphis after Strep infection from a shot. She could have died.
Just one of my pet concerns. Everytime I see those manicure/pedicure places in the mall, I cringe. So many woman now do the acrylic toenails as well as fingernails...and if they are diabetic (or don't know they are) they are literally opening themselves up to all kinds of risk of infection. A nick, or an improperly cut nail can lead to something just like this. Just my two cents....
Yes, that's why the guy should have been taking a closer look at himself. I know several diabetics that are negligent about their own health. They are a walking timebomb.
They'll toss this case out. He doesn't have a leg to stand on.
I know a guy who used steroids back about 10 years ago. He was a powerlifter. He got gangrene and it almost killed him. What really gets me is that the guy is on permanent disability now and lives off of our taxes.
LOL- Booooooo Hissssssss
Yes he should have...but if he was very heavy, and had vision problems (like many diabetics) he may not have been able to see the area.
It's Bush's Fault!
Yeah, I hate false medical law suits (like Edwards was involved with), but the truth is a lot of malpractice does occur. Was it negligence...hard for me to say...I'd want to talk to doctors and see if it's commmon for diabetics that recently had toe nails removed to come in sick...and if so was checking for infection common practice.
The real question is...what is common practice in this case? If the typical doctor should be able to treat this then sue the negligent doctor, but the $ awarded should be commesirate with the amount of negligence involved. Like if 70% of doctors would have found the illness...he should get 70% of the $.
I had a nighbor who was like a big brother who died from slamming his finger in a car door. OK< so he was a case a day alcoholic who was a retired GM car painter and refused any kind of medical attention. The finger ws infected and it poisened his blood.
RIP Mark, I'm glad I knew ya!
Ingrown toenail alert.
Yeow!
So sorry you lost your friend.
Wow, his refusal to see a doctor really cost him. Blood poisoning is nothing to ignore.
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