SUGARMAN attorneys David McCormack and Sarah Yun secured a $12 million medical malpractice verdict on October 7, 2026, on behalf of a woman who suffered permanent paralysis following spinal surgery at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.
A Preventable Spinal Cord Injury
In January 2023, the 75-year-old patient was admitted to Baystate Medical Center after experiencing weakness in both legs and urinary retention. Imaging revealed a benign mass on her thoracic spine that was compressing her spinal cord. She underwent surgery to remove the mass on January 29, 2023, without complications.
Although the patient initially recovered well, her neurological condition began to deteriorate the following evening. She developed worsening leg weakness, severe pain, muscle spasms, and other symptoms consistent with spinal cord compression.
Despite orders for regular neurological examinations and an urgent post-operative MRI, the patient’s worsening condition was not adequately investigated. The neurosurgery team failed to review nursing notes documenting significant neurological changes, and the operating neurosurgeon did not personally examine the patient during this critical period.
An MRI performed on January 31 revealed a large fluid collection at the surgical site, suggestive of an epidural hematoma, that was compressing the spinal cord. However, the imaging went unreviewed by the defendants for more than 12 hours.
By the following morning, the patient had completely lost the ability to move her legs. Although the neurosurgeon became aware of her condition and the MRI findings, surgery to evacuate the hematoma was not performed until approximately five hours later.
The patient never regained movement in her legs and remains permanently paralyzed. She now requires a wheelchair, experiences chronic pain, and faces significant ongoing medical needs.
Jury Finds Negligence in Post-Operative Care
At trial, the defense maintained that the patient’s initial post-operative symptoms were consistent with a normal recovery and that the MRI findings did not require immediate intervention before she experienced complete paralysis.
David and Sarah presented evidence concerning the patient’s worsening neurological symptoms, the failure to review critical nursing documentation, delays in evaluating MRI findings, and the failure to respond promptly to signs of spinal cord compression.
Following the seven-day trial in Hampden Superior Court, the jury found that the patient’s neurosurgeon and neurosurgery physician assistant were negligent in their post-operative care. The jury awarded $5 million in past damages and $7 million in future damages, plus interest.
The verdict recognizes the devastating and permanent consequences of the patient’s spinal cord injury, including her loss of mobility, ongoing pain, substantial medical expenses, and future care needs.
Continuing SUGARMAN’s Commitment to Injured Patients
This verdict reflects SUGARMAN’s longstanding commitment to representing individuals and families harmed by medical negligence. For more than six decades, the firm has handled complex medical malpractice cases involving serious injuries and permanent disabilities, combining thorough preparation and experienced trial advocacy to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable.
If you or someone you love have suffered and injury due to medical negligence and you would like to speak to an attorney, call 617-542-1000, email or fill out our contact form.