April 5, 2007

On March 22, 2005, the Plaintiff underwent implantation of an intrathecal catheter and programmable infusion pump to control low back pain from a failed back surgery syndrome.  During the placement of the catheter, it appeared the catheter had gone intra-medullary, into the spinal cord at the lower aspect of the cord.  A local physician recognized this immediately and repositioned the catheter.  After the procedure, the Plaintiff complained of significant weakness in her right leg, which persisted up to the date of the trial.  Plaintiff alleged that the leg was still weak, her right knee gives out unexpectedly causing her to fall, and it is hard for her to walk more than 5 or 10 feet at a time.  The Defense, led by Tracy Prewitt, maintained the type of injury experienced in this case is a recognized complication of the procedure.  Plaintiff asserted that the placement of the catheter was improper and, as such, represents negligence.  The Jury needed little time to return a verdict in favor of the local physician and award Plaintiff none of the over $1.6 million sought.