A couple is suing Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta after the hospital allegedly lost part of the patient’s skull following brain surgery. Fernando Cluster was at the hospital in September 2022 for emergency surgery to treat a intracerebral hemorrhage. During the surgery, doctors removed a bone flap from Cluster’s skull with the intention of reattaching it in a second surgery weeks later. However, when the time came for the follow-up operation in November 2022, the hospital reportedly could not locate the bone flap due to incomplete or missing patient identification on several flaps.
As a result of the missing bone flap, Cluster had to undergo a significantly longer stay in the hospital and ultimately received a synthetic bone flap instead. The couple claims in their lawsuit that this led to an infection and required another surgery, resulting in medical expenses exceeding $146,845.60. They also allege that Cluster has been unable to work, his family relationships have been strained, and he has suffered permanent injuries as a result of the hospital’s negligence. The lawsuit does not specify a monetary amount being sought, but mentions that general and special damages are being pursued.
The couple’s complaint accuses Emory Healthcare of negligence, which they claim resulted in increased hospitalization, physical harm, and emotional distress. The lack of proper identification on the bone flaps created confusion and ultimately led to Cluster receiving a synthetic flap and suffering from an infection. The lawsuit highlights the financial burden of the prolonged hospital stay and additional surgeries, as well as the long-term impact on Cluster’s ability to work and his relationships with his family.
Emory Healthcare representatives have not yet commented on the lawsuit, which was filed in DeKalb County, Georgia. The legal action seeks compensation for both general damages, such as emotional distress, and special damages, which include specific economic losses incurred as a result of the hospital’s alleged negligence. The lawsuit emphasizes the lasting effects of the situation on Cluster’s health and well-being, as well as the financial strain placed on the couple as a result of the medical expenses incurred.
The lawsuit details the events surrounding Cluster’s initial surgery and the subsequent difficulties in locating the missing bone flap, which ultimately necessitated further medical interventions including the insertion of a synthetic flap. The legal action underscores the impact of the hospital’s alleged negligence on Cluster’s health, financial stability, and personal relationships. The couple’s complaint seeks accountability from Emory Healthcare for the harm caused to Cluster, as well as compensation for the damages they have incurred as a result of the hospital’s actions.
The lawsuit against Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta alleges that the hospital’s negligence led to the loss of part of the patient’s skull following brain surgery. Cluster’s medical expenses exceeded $146,845.60 due to the prolonged hospital stay and additional surgeries required as a result of the missing bone flap. The legal action aims to hold the hospital accountable for the alleged negligence, seeking both general and special damages to compensate for the physical, emotional, and financial harm suffered by the couple. Emory Healthcare representatives have yet to respond to the lawsuit, which was filed in DeKalb County, Georgia.
