MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

ALACHUA CIRCUIT COURT

A jury found a radiologist was not negligent in surgery on a patient who was allegedly rendered paralyzed.

In 2008, Walter McGauley Sr., 68, underwent a vertebroplasty on the T8 vertebra. After surgery, he complained of paralysis in his lower extremities. He later died of unrelated causes. McGauley's daughter claimed the surgery was not indicated because of osteomyelitis and a burst fracture at the T8 level. She also claimed Dr. Willie Williams used too much cement, rupturing the adjacent level and causing her father's paralysis.

Williams claimed the osteomyelitis could have only been detected in retrospect. He also claimed he used the proper amount of cement and there was no sign of neurological compromise.

Case: Estate of McGauley v. Doctors Radiology of Gainesville

Case No.: 01-2010-CA-005732

Plaintiffs attorney: Robert F. Jordan, Jordan Law Firm, Lake City.

Defense attorneys: Meredith M. Stephens and Richard S. Womble, Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, Orlando