Medical Malpractice
Woman's sciatica blamed on misdirected injection
| (P) $1,690,000.00 | |
| Negligent Injection, Medical Malpractice - Nurse | |
| Tina M. Holstein v. Community General Hospital of Greater Syracuse and Jacinta M. Colombo, RN, No. 7434/08 | |
| Onondaga Supreme, NY | |
| James P. Murphy |
|
| 05-28-2010 |
- Jeff D. DeFrancisco; DeFrancisco Law Firm; Syracuse, NY, for Tina M. Holstein
- Dr. Christopher Gharibo; Pain Management; Palisades Park, NJ called by: Jeff DeFrancisco
- Alexa Schneider; Nurse Practitioner; Syracuse, NY called by: Jeff DeFrancisco
- Therese Wiley Dancks; Gale & Dancks LLC; Fayetteville, NY, for Community General Hospital of Greater Syracuse, Jacinta M. Colombo
- Chris Grammar M.D.; Pain Management; Rochester, NY called by: Therese Dancks
- Frieda Allen; Nurse Practitioner; Syracuse, NY called by: Therese Dancks
- Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Co. for both defendants
In October 2007, plaintiff Tina Holstein, 31, a nurse who provides residential care, underwent the delivery of her third child. The delivery was performed at Community General Hospital, in Syracuse. During the delivery's aftermath, Holstein began vomiting. The vomition was addressed via the administration of an intramuscular injection. Holstein claimed that the injection caused a permanent injury of her sciatic nerve.
Holstein sued the hospital and the nurse who administered the injection, Jacinta Colombo. Holstein alleged that Colombo failed to properly administer the injection, that Colombo's failure constituted malpractice and that the hospital was vicariously liable for Colombo's actions.
Holstein's counsel ultimately discontinued the claim against Colombo. The matter proceeded to a trial against the hospital.
Holstein's expert nurse opined that the injection was administered to the wrong area of Holstein's buttocks. She contended that Colombo should have targeted a higher area of the buttocks.
Defense counsel contended that Holstein's injury could not have resulted from an injection. The defense's expert nurse noted that Colombo possesses much experience, and she opined that an experienced nurse would not have misdirected the injection.
Holstein claimed that she sustained damage of her sciatic nerve. She contended that her back became painful, and she claimed that the pain radiated through her legs. She underwent physical therapy and the administration of painkilling nerve-block injections, but she contended that her pain persists. She has resumed work, but she claimed that she cannot endure prolonged periods in which she is seated or standing.
Holstein's doctor opined that medical studies have indicated that Holstein's condition is worsening. Holstein continues to undergo nerve-block injections.
Holstein sought recovery of damages for her past and future pain and suffering.
Defense counsel did not contest the extent of Holstein's injury, but she maintained that the injury could not have been a result of an injection.
The jury found that the hospital was liable for Holstein's injury. It determined that Holstein's damages totaled $1.69 million.
Tina M. Holstein
$140,000 Personal Injury: Past Pain And Suffering
$1,550,000 Personal Injury: Future Pain And Suffering
This report is based on information that was provided by plaintiff's counsel. Defense counsel did not respond to the reporter's phone calls.
