Texas Surgeon Convicted, Sentenced to Life for Botched Surgery

Everyone makes mistakes from time to time, no matter who you are or what type of work you do. Some are relatively harmless, like putting the wrong price on a shirt in a retail outlet. Others are much more serious, such as professional malpractice by a doctor, dentist, or pharmacist. Errors that constitute malpractice can be devastating to the lives of affected victims, but most such cases are truly mistakes made in good faith rather than malicious or reckless behavior.

A recent case out of Texas, however, shows that not all cases of malpractice are, in fact, understandable mistakes. Sometimes, the doctor in question has no reasonable explanation for his or actions, which may even be considered criminal in certain situations.

In a Dallas courtroom last month, a 46-year-old neurosurgeon was sentenced to life in prison for a botched back surgery. While the case in question was primarily focused on one patient—a 74-year-old woman who will spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair after her 2012 procedure—the surgeon had been arrested in 2015 on five charges of aggravated assault related to surgeries which allegedly left two patients crippled and two others dead.

According to the Dallas News, prosecutors presented evidence that the man who the media nicknamed “Dr. Death” sent an email in 2011 outlining plans “to become a cold blooded serial killer.” The case also included testimony from several patients who suffered permanent injuries during surgeries performed by the same doctor. The defense, by contrast, attempted to portray the surgeon as someone who was in over his head but trying his best.

It is extremely rare for a medical professional to face criminal charges for actions taken in an operating room, but few surgeons have left a trail of injured victims like those in this case. In fact, USA Today reports that the defendant in question is the first surgeon known to be sent to prison for a botched surgery. While the case may prompt prosecutors in other areas to pay closer attention to the actions of doctors in their jurisdiction, most medical malpractice cases will still be handled as they always have been—beginning with the state medical board and possibly ending up in civil court.

If you or a loved one has been injured by the careless or negligent actions of a medical professional, you should begin your pursuit of justice by contacting an experienced San Jose medical malpractice attorney. We will work with you in determining the best course of action for your case and help you get the compensation you deserve. Call (408) 289-1417 for a free consultation at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. today.

• Doctor convicted of botched surgery gets life sentence
• Dallas' 'Dr. Death' gets life in prison over botched surgery
• Dallas doctor who performed questionable surgeries gets life in prison