In July 2012 Carlos Gonzalez underwent a lumbar fusion with external fixation at a local Broward County Hospital. Following the surgery Mr. Gonzalez developed urinary incontinence and foot drop. These complaints were not adequately addressed and he was discharged from the hospital. Over the next several weeks while in a rehabilitation facility, his symptoms worsened and he returned to the hospital. An MRI of the lumbar region evidenced a significant hematoma in the lumbar sacral region which was compressing his spine. This was a neurosurgical emergency which required immediate surgery to relieve the compression.
Unfortunately, the hospital’s treating neurosurgeon waited more than 36 hours to perform the emergency surgery and by that time Mr. Gonzalez sustained permanent spinal cord injury. Two subsequent spinal surgeries restored some function but Mr. Garcia was left totally disabled. We were able to secure a settlement for Mr. Garcia shortly following the filing of the lawsuit so that the family received prompt and significant compensation.