Pennsylvania Hospital Faces $24M Verdict Over Botched Spinal Surgery

A Pennsylvania hospital was hit with a $24 million verdict after spinal stenosis patient James Spangler alleged that negligence during a spinal surgery left him partially paralyzed. Spangler, a 58-year-old motorcycle mechanic, sued WellSpan York Hospital and Dr. Joseph P. Krzeminski after a 2019 laminoplasty surgery went wrong. The lawsuit, filed in 2021, claimed that Dr. Krzeminski drove a screw into Spangler’s spinal cord, resulting in severe neurological damage. This case became one of York County’s most significant medical malpractice cases.

Dr. Krzeminski allegedly continued with the surgery despite multiple intraoperative alarms indicating complications. These warnings were ignored, leading to a series of issues that left Spangler with life-altering injuries.

The Jury's Decision

After an eight-day trial, the jury delivered a $23.87 million verdict, the largest medical malpractice award on record in York County. The compensation included $10 million for pain and suffering, $4 million for loss of consortium for Spangler's wife, Wendy Spangler, and the remaining amount for economic damages.

Plaintiff’s attorney, Iddo Harel, stressed the significance of the decision, noting that it emphasized the “grave responsibility” healthcare providers have towards their patients. “James Spangler trusted his neurosurgeon, and that trust was tragically violated,” Harel stated after the verdict​.

Allegations of Negligence

The lawsuit's core allegation was that Dr. Krzeminski deviated from standard surgical protocols, resulting in devastating consequences. The plaintiff’s pretrial memorandum highlighted that alarms signaling potential spinal cord damage were triggered during surgery. These warnings, however, were reportedly ignored by the surgical team.

As Spangler’s neurological condition worsened during the procedure, the team continued with the surgery, failing to address the mounting evidence of serious complications. This failure, according to Spangler's legal team, represented a significant breach of the standard of care.

The Impact on the Patient

The failed surgery left James Spangler with severe complications. Post-surgery, Spangler was paralyzed, suffered from bowel incontinence, urinary issues, and lost function in his left hand. He now faces a significantly reduced quality of life, with limited mobility and permanent neurological impairments.

Spangler alleged that when he awoke from surgery, he was unable to move. The physical and emotional toll of his injuries has been substantial, dramatically affecting his daily life. Wendy Spangler was also awarded damages for loss of consortium, recognizing the impact on their relationship and the difficulties they continue to face.

Broader Implications of the Verdict

This significant verdict has broader implications for medical malpractice litigation in Pennsylvania. The case underscores the importance of adhering to standard surgical procedures and the severe consequences of failing to do so. Legal experts predict this decision could set a precedent, encouraging other patients affected by medical negligence to seek legal accountability.

As attorney Iddo Harel noted, the decision sends a clear message about the need for vigilance and responsibility in medical care. The case serves as a reminder of the trust patients place in their healthcare providers and the serious impact when that trust is broken.

This outcome is expected to influence how hospitals approach patient safety, potentially leading to stricter oversight and more stringent regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Law firm Involvement

• Ross Feller Casey LLP: Representing James Spangler and his wife, Wendy Spangler, this firm specializes in medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases.
• Saxton & Stump LLC: Representing WellSpan York Hospital and Dr. Joseph P. Krzeminski, this firm handles a broad range of litigation, including medical malpractice defense.