An Ohio woman is taking legal action against a hospital after undergoing an amputation procedure that resulted in the removal of the wrong leg.
MEIGS COUNTY, Ohio — Sharon Jacks, a 74-year-old woman and Army veteran, has filed a lawsuit against Selby General Hospital located in Marietta, Ohio, following a grievous error during her elective surgery.
Jacks underwent surgery for an elective below-the-knee amputation to address issues related to a chronic ulcer in her right leg. However, upon waking from the procedure, she discovered that her left leg had been amputated instead.
The implications of this medical mistake are profound. Sharon Jacks is now confronting life as a double amputee, which brings numerous challenges that extend far beyond the physical realm. Her attorney, Brad Layne, emphasized the array of difficulties faced by individuals in her situation, including the need for prosthetics, modifications to transportation, and necessary adjustments to living spaces.
In response to the lawsuit, Selby General Hospital acknowledged the incident, referring to it as an “adverse surgical event” that occurred in September. A review conducted by the hospital revealed that the incident was preventable and attributed the mistake to a failure to adhere to established operating room protocols. Subsequent to the event, the hospital confirmed that the personnel involved are no longer affiliated with the facility.
The hospital’s statement included their commitment to enhancing patient safety, detailing new corrective measures implemented across their organization to avert similar situations in the future. These actions involve mandatory retraining for all surgical staff to reinforce adherence to safety policies and procedures, along with additional requirements as deemed necessary.
Jacks’ determination in the face of adversity has been commended. Her attorney highlighted her resilience and strength, painting a portrait of a woman who continues to fight despite her circumstances.