A patient has filed a lawsuit against Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, over allegations that the hospital lost part of his skull that was removed during surgery.
Fernando Cluster said he underwent brain surgery at Emory University Hospital in Midtown in September 2022 after suffering a stroke, according to Atlanta News First.
The surgery required the removal of a part of Cluster's skull called a bone flap, the outlet reported.
Cluster returned to the hospital for a follow-up surgery scheduled for November 2022 to reattach the bone flap, but, according to the lawsuit, the hospital was unable to locate his bone flap when he arrived.
Georgia lawmaker dies in 'ambush' attack after responding to domestic dispute call
“'There were several bone flaps with incomplete or missing patient identification' and therefore Emory 'could not be certain which, if any, of them belonged to Mr. Cluster,'” the lawsuit reads, according to the report.
Because the hospital allegedly could not find Cluster's bone flap, a synthetic replacement had to be made, forcing him to stay in the hospital for an additional 12 days while the synthetic replacement was made, according to the lawsuit.
The synthetic replacement became infected, forcing Cluster to undergo another surgery, according to the lawsuit.
Cluster was charged for the additional surgeries and time he had to spend in the hospital. He claims he had to pay $146,000 in medical expenses after the treatment.
Georgia fisherman charged after hiding fish
The lawsuit accuses Emory of negligence and claims the hospital “failed to exercise ordinary and reasonable care,” leading to the injury. The suit also claims Cluster suffered “physical and emotional pain” and has been unable to work following the error.
Cluster claims compensation for injuries and damages.
The hospital said it would not comment on pending litigation, but said “Emory Healthcare is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients and those we serve in our communities,” according to Atlanta News First.
