Man Loses Use of His Shoulder Following Doctor’s Misdiagnosis and Botched Surgery

A jury in New Haven Connecticut recently awarded a 58-year-old man $4.2 million for an injury incurred during a surgical procedure that was the result of a doctor’s misdiagnosis.

In December 2008, plaintiff visited the doctor for treatment of a swollen lymph node on the side of his neck. According to the suit, the doctor misdiagnosed what was really a mild Bartonellosis bacterial infection, also known as “cat scratch disease,” and instead recommended surgery to remove the lymph node. Then, during the procedure, the doctor damaged plaintiff’s spinal accessory nerve, causing permanent catastrophic injuries to plaintiff’s left shoulder.

Besides misdiagnosing plaintiff’s case entirely, the surgeon botched the surgery. According to the suit, plaintiff now has nerve palsy, permanent disfigurement of his left shoulder, an inability to extend that arm or raise it above his head, permanent numbness and pain, and he can no longer work at his job without considerable difficulty.

The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting, and trying to verdict all types of medical malpractice cases, including those involving misdiagnosis and surgical errors. To speak with our experienced legal team about your medical care, please contact the Firm by telephone, email, or by submitting an online contact form.