A Kentucky woman was awarded $10 million after having heart surgery in which a hose from a machine that pumped blood into her system was misplaced and caused brain damage and paralysis. The award may be the highest in Fayette County's history.

Non-surgical complications

According to news reports, Latricia Satterwhite, a hairdresser, had heart surgery in 2006. The surgery was performed successfully; however, a hose meant to pump blood to her system from a machine was not properly attached during the procedure. The error caused a lack of blood and oxygen to her brain and spinal cord and left her paralyzed and brain damaged.

She sued the surgeon, the facility and the company responsible for anesthesia for negligence and a jury awarded her $9.89 million for past and future medical expenses and pain and suffering. It is thought to be the largest damages award in Fayette County's history.

Kentucky Medical Malpractice cases

As this case shows, not all medical malpractice cases are the result of surgeries gone wrong. In many cases, a patient's surgery can be successful - yet, intervening causes can result in medical malpractice lawsuits. Other possible intervening causes might be surgical equipment left in a patient, unsanitary conditions at a facility or incorrect medications being given. The list of possible causes is numerous and an experienced medical malpractice attorney will be able to determine who might be responsible for your injuries. In many cases, there is more than one party responsible.

Who's responsible?

In this case, the surgeon was found to be over 30% at fault, the anesthesiologist over 20% at fault and the perfusionist (the person who operated the machine) over 40% at fault. Determining those percentages isn't always an easy task. Don't trust your case to any attorney. Hire the right attorney - one that understands how medical malpractice cases work - as you only get one chance at recovery.

Click here to contact an experienced Kentucky medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your situation. Consultations are free, without obligation and are strictly confidential.