Malpractice Specialists

Medical Malpractice Law Firm Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, P.C., Wins $3.7 Million Settlement for Man-made Paraplegic by New York Presbyterian Hospital

(PRWEB) April 9, 2008 -- The New York and New Jersey medical malpractice law firm of Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, P.C. wins a $3.7 million settlement for Leopoldo Castillo against New York Presbyterian and Dr. Woosup Michael Park. During surgery, Castillo suffered spinal cord injury that made him paraplegic. The case was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, with the New York County Index No.: 401203/05.

On June 19, 2003, Leopoldo Castillo entered the emergency room at New York Presbyterian Hospital, complaining of pain in his lower and mid back. Although he was originally diagnosed with pneumonia, his blood test results arrived the next day and showed an active staph infection. The hospital did not contact Castillo to tell him of the actual diagnosis.

Castillo's condition worsened and he was admitted to New York Presbyterian Hospital on August 11th. He was then diagnosed with spinal osteomyelitis, an inflammation within his spinal column. Castillo was given intravenous antibiotics in the hospital and continued them at home, when he was released on August 27th.

Castillo's condition worsened still and he was again admitted to New York Presbyterian Hospital on September 30th. An MRI of his spinal column showed further progression of the disease and on October 2, 2003, Castillo underwent spinal decompression surgery.

During the surgery, Dr. Woosup Michael Park used Surgicel, a fabric to inhibit bleeding. However, Surgicel is not recommended for use in the spine. Less than three hours after his 3:15 AM surgery, Castillo reported he couldn't feel or move his legs. Nothing was done to identify the problem until late afternoon when a myelogram was performed at 4:30 PM. Castillo was not operated upon until 6:15 PM.

During this second surgery, physicians found the Surgicel had expanded and compressed Castillo's spinal cord, rendering him a paraplegic.

"Mr. Castillo's medical experience was a series of missteps, mistakes and missed opportunities," said Michael Fruhling, a GLK partner, "resulting in spinal cord injury, changing his life forever. New York Presbyterian Hospital and its doctors should be held accountable."

About GLK:

Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, P.C., (GLK) is a New York and New Jersey personal injury and medical malpractice law firm that is passionate about helping seriously injured people. Our clients are seriously injured in auto accidents, by defective products or through doctors' mistakes. They and their loved ones deserve dignity and justice, and we work hard to deliver for them. For more information, call: 1-800-LAW-9997 or visit: www.lawyertime.com .

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