Columbus, Ohio Attorney Blog - Robert W. Kerpsack Co., L.P.A.

An Illinois woman has been awarded more than $1.3 million in a negligence lawsuit against a hospital but her attorney will appeal for more. Wendy Gossett was awarded the large sum for pain and suffering she endured after a sponge was left in her body after undergoing a partial hysterectomy at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, Illinois.

Gossett's attorney said that even though the jurors awarded a record amount in cases involving surgical instruments, he would appeal for even more money to cover future lost earnings and medical expenses. Of the $1.3 million verdict, a little over $200,000 was awarded for past medical expenses, and nothing was awarded for medical upkeep and future lost wages. The attorney does not understand why Gossett was not awarded anything for the future.

Gossett was only 27 when she underwent surgery to relieve pain from endometriosis. After having post-surgery pain, Gossett returned to her doctor, but it wasn't until a trip to an emergency room in August 2000 that a test revealed a sponge was left behind during the hysterectomy. Gossett then underwent a second surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes and to remove an abscess that had formed and caused a serious infection.

Gossett now requires a morphine pump because of permanent nerve damage and can no longer maintain gainful employment.

If you have suffered due to medical malpractice in Columbus or anywhere in Ohio, please contact Robert W. Kerpsack, Co., L.P.A. today.