Paralyzed Man Awarded $3 Million in Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

A Colorado jury has awarded $3 million to a paralyzed man after medical staff failed to recognize his spinal cord injury.

About the Incident

A 66-year-old man named Samuel Chifalo visited the emergency room of Pueblo’s Parkview Medical Center on Feb. 11, 2016, after he had fallen and bashed his face against furniture. After the hospital discharged him, he became paralyzed.

According to a statement by the man’s attorney, the medical center failed to recognize that Chifalo had injured his spinal cord when he fell. The man’s attorney also claimed that the hospital had treated Chifalo negligently.

The Pueblo County District Court dealt with the issue during a nine-day jury trial. In the end, Chifalo was awarded $3 million.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries cause temporary or permanent changes in its function.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (SNCSC), approximately 17,730 new cases appear every year in the US.

The most common causes for spinal cord injury are traumas such as falling from heights, violence, and sporting injuries; but they can also be caused by compression of the cord, tumors, infections, or inflammation.

Those who suspect that their spinal cord has been injured should contact a hospital immediately. If promptly treated, some spinal cord injuries can be reversed.

Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms

Information taken from SpinalCord.com

  • Pain and numbness, or burning sensation
  • Inability to move the extremities or walk
  • Inability to feel pressure, heat, or cold
  • Muscle spasms
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Difficulty breathing

Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been injured due to a medical error, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our firm has a proven track record of winning large cases for severely injured clients for more than 25 years. Thomas J. Henry has the experienced medical malpractice lawyers and the legal and financial resources necessary to properly develop your case. Our dedication and determination is reflected in the record-breaking results we have helped our clients achieve.

Our firm has offices in Corpus ChristiSan Antonio, Austin, El Paso, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review — attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

 

 

 

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