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Lisa-Maria CarterAmerican medical malpractice victim who lost $109 million
Country:
 USA |
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American Victim of Medical Negligence Awarded $109 Million
Lisa-Marie Carter, a 53-year-old woman, is set to receive a compensation of $109 million after suffering severe complications following a failed surgery to remove a benign ovarian cyst. The surgeon accidentally released flesh-eating bacteria during the operation, causing damage to Carter's abdomen, resulting in the loss of her hands, legs, intestines, and abdominal muscles. Despite the doctor's error, Carter's life was saved by a special medication that redirected blood flow to vital organs, but the lack of blood flow caused irreversible tissue death in her extremities. Carter's lawyer, Ken Dandar, stated that the only remaining part of her intestines is now in an external bag, and she relies on a colostomy bag for waste removal. Carter, a resident of Florida, hoped to use a portion of the compensation to undergo organ replacement surgeries. Fortunately, the jury ultimately ruled in her favor.
Biography of Lisa-Marie Carter
Lisa-Marie Carter, a former ambitious operative worker, was preparing to travel to Iraq in 2010. However, her plans were abruptly halted when it was discovered that she had a benign ovarian cyst. Carter agreed to undergo a simple, minimally invasive procedure to remove the cyst. She asked her friend to pick her up four hours after the scheduled surgery on November 1, 2010. Shortly after gynecologist Larry Glazerman completed the operation, the incision he made burst open, causing an "unthinkable" amount of blood to pour out of Carter's abdomen. Her blood pressure dropped drastically, and emergency responders had to use vasoconstrictors to redirect blood flow to her brain and vital organs.
After stabilizing, a computerized tomography scan revealed an error in the surgery. Surgeon Christopher Holtz discovered necrotizing fasciitis in Carter's abdominal cavity and removed the necrotic tissue. Attorney Ken Dandar stated that "all of her abdominal muscles were eaten by flesh-eating bacteria," and the perforation in Carter's intestine perfectly matched the size of the initial incision made by Glazerman. Furthermore, it was suspected that Dr. Glazerman used a "sugar-based solution" inside Carter's abdomen to connect the damaged tissues, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply.
When Carter emerged from a medically induced coma two days after Christmas, she looked at her hands and noticed they resembled her favorite black leather driving gloves. However, the black color of her tissue indicated tissue death, and her legs were in a similar state. All four of her limbs had to be amputated.
It took Carter a long time to regain her strength before seeking legal help and filing a lawsuit. Unfortunately, Dr. Glazerman, who works for the University of South Florida, was considered a state employee with immunity from prosecution. Glazerman still holds a medical license and allegedly practices at the American Family Planning Federation in Wilmington, Delaware. The hospital where Carter underwent surgery also escaped punishment due to signed waivers removing liability.
Despite three trials against the University of South Florida, with two resulting in deadlocked juries, a decision was finally made in Carter's favor, awarding her over $109 million. Carter expressed her gratitude to God for blessing her with this outcome.
After the 2010 surgery, Carter was fitted with prosthetic hands, each costing over $100,000. However, the prosthetics were of poor quality and rendered her unable to use them. She currently uses functional prosthetic legs and undergoes rehabilitation therapy three times a week to be able to walk. However, without abdominal muscles, Carter cannot stand independently and relies on a colostomy bag. In court, Dandar pointed out, "You can see her food being digested."
Once a fit and active individual, Carter now heavily relies on a motorized wheelchair and requires round-the-clock assistance. Despite her physical limitations, she earned a master's degree in psychology after the surgery. However, she was unable to complete her residency and practice. Carter plans to continue her education, pursuing a doctoral degree in forensic psychology, and hopes to assist veterans and others who, like her, have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr. Derek Angus, a sepsis specialist from the University of Pennsylvania, has invited Carter to join him on a nationwide lecture tour to raise awareness about dangerous bacteria that nearly consumed her alive. However, at this stage, Lisa-Marie's primary focus is on undergoing reconstructive surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.
