Woman Receives $2.5 Million for Medical Mishap
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Posted: 9:11 PM Mar 11, 2009
Woman Receives $2.5 Million for Medical Mishap
A Williamson, W.Va., woman was awarded $2.5 million Wednesday for medical complications she suffered from a hysterectomy at Three Rivers Medical Center in Louisa, Ky.
Reporter: Carrie Cline
Email Address: carrie.cline@wsaz.com
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LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- A Williamson, W.Va., woman was awarded $2.5 million Wednesday for medical complications she suffered from a hysterectomy at Three Rivers Medical Center in Louisa, Ky.

Sophia Savage's case against the hospital was heard by a jury during a trial in Lawrence County Circuit Court. Savage had a total hysterectomy in December 2001. Three years later -- after many digestive complications -- her doctor ordered some tests and X-rays, and a sponge was discovered. She underwent a four-hour surgery to remove the sponge. Nearly 50 centimeters of Savage's small intestine also had to be removed because the sponge had rotted into it.

Savage's doctor said she will have permanent digestive and bowel problems.

So, after undergoing the horrific ordeal, Savage decided someone needed to be held accountable. She sued Three Rivers in May 2005. The case initially was tried last June, and Savage won. Three Rivers appealed, and the judge granted their request.

The $2.5 million will cover past, present and future medical expenses, plus punitive damages and pain and suffering.


Latest Comments

Posted by: TRMC employee on Mar 17, 2009 at 08:08 PM

To worked there know too much--I work there too and I know for a fact that management does everything they can to provide a safe and clean enviroment for their patients. How do you think they could pass the drilling inspections if they didn't? I know that management expects nothing but the best when it comes to patient care. You should be ashamed of yourself for making such remarks. And it would be stupid to think that they don't have to watch their expenses--of couse they do--everyone does. Haven't you heard on the news before of small hospitals that get closed due to finances. If you have so many complaints, why don't you go find another job? TRMC would probably be better off without you!!!
Posted by: happy to work at trmc on Mar 17, 2009 at 07:44 PM

This community should be thankful to have a small community hospital. There have been lots of lives saved. This lady does deserve some compensation but i feel the 2.5 million is a little high. Why should the husband get money???? And yes, it was a mistake but who is above not making a mistake even when you have processes in place to prevent them. A previous comment speaks of the BIG knowledgeable dept heads. Well to you, they are probably knowledgeabe and willing to take responsibility whereas others just want to clock in, do as little as possible and go home worry free and obviously you are one of those. Thank goodness we have people in our community that are willing to take the responsibility. I'll just say, Hats up to TRMC for providing quality health care in this small town of Louisa.
Posted by: worked there know too much on Mar 14, 2009 at 09:16 AM

yes trmc has cut working hours for nurses caring for their patients , the daily cenus is up to 60 to 68-70 pt every day now for many days but have less nursing staff hours , yes, let's cut nurse staffing, is it to save money to pay for the $2.5 mil, or is to make sure there; going to be money for TRMC , adminstration and (BIG) knowledgeable dept heads ? Oh! the bonuses , they are getting, because they have pleased chs corp big wigs, by making cuts in the staffs hours, but nursing, never should happened, again and again, hurry ,hurry, get this pt in and out,put another poor soul ,in that bed before the mattress gets cold , clean , what, oh, thats ok! mix any illness or disease, with mr or mrs so n so , the pts or children will never know they obtained that germ or germs at TRMC! I am here to say, it's but a manner of a short time, and the quality of nursing care will tell the tail oh, that's tale, there are lots of good people, working at TRMC.
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