Patient Suffers Severe Shoulder Injury During Surgery

Case Overview

This case takes place in California and involves a male patient who, while working in shipbuilding for many years, developed a painful condition in his right arm and shoulder that impaired his ability to move. The patient was diagnosed with severe thoracic outlet syndrome in his arm, and the thoracic surgeon treating him recommended that he undergo surgery to rectify the condition. Surgery was performed as recommended. During the procedure, the surgeon caused negligent damage to structures in the patient’s shoulder, thereby subjecting him to symptoms which include severe pain and significant difficulty swallowing food. The thoracic surgeon in question has claimed that these injuries could be rectified through a further surgical procedure.