Woman claims hospital injected wrong drug into her spine during knee surgery, leaving her unable to walk
Linda Gilbert, who was 78 at the time of the incident, alleges that hospital staff injected the wrong drug into her spinal canal during the procedure.
Key points
- TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "Our hearts remain with the four patients and families impacted by the recent medication error that occurred at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown," the hospital wrote in a Sept.
- CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Gilbert’s lawsuit claims that staff continued using syringes from the same batch after two earlier patients reported burning pain.
- Medication safety recommendations emphasize the importance of clear labeling of drugs, including their names and concentrations, and reading the label to correctly identify each medication before administration.
A Nashville woman is seeking $150 million from Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown, alleging that a medication error during knee replacement surgery left her with a permanent spinal cord injury.
Additional details
- The lawsuit alleges that the patient’s injuries are permanent and says she remained in inpatient rehabilitation at a spinal cord injury center in Atlanta at the time it was filed.
- Fox News Digital reached out to Ascension Saint Thomas, Gilbert’s attorney, the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices for comment.
- A total of four surgery patients received potassium phosphate instead of the intended anesthetic, mepivacaine, on Aug.
- 9, Ascension Saint Thomas said it was aware of the complaint and was cooperating with the legal process, but could not share additional details because the case was ongoing.
- Most patients experience substantial pain relief and improved mobility, with only 2% reporting serious complications, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states.
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