Levin & Perconti secured a $5.77 million verdict for an Army veteran who suffered permanent paralysis after doctors at two Veterans Affairs hospitals failed to properly evaluate her worsening neurological symptoms. Founder John J. Perconti represented Susan Liebig-Grigsby
What Happened
In 1995, Susan underwent spinal surgery at Edward J. Hines VA Hospital to treat cervical myelopathy, a condition in which pressure on the spinal cord causes weakness, pain, and difficulty walking. The surgery relieved many of her symptoms, and she was recovering well.
By April 1997, her symptoms had returned. Doctors at the VA documented abnormal reflexes, involuntary muscle contractions, and difficulty walking but failed to arrange a timely neurosurgical evaluation.
That October, Susan returned to the VA after falling down a flight of stairs. She struggled with weakness in both legs, poor balance, and reduced grip strength. Doctors ordered an MRI in December, but no neurosurgeon reviewed the results to determine whether another operation could relieve the pressure on her spinal cord.
Without timely treatment, Susan’s condition continued to deteriorate. She eventually lost the use of both legs and her right arm, leaving her permanently dependent on a wheelchair.
Susan moved into a nursing home and required assistance with everyday activities, including eating, dressing, and bathing. She also suffered chronic pain and lost much of the independence she had enjoyed before her condition worsened.
What Levin & Perconti Argued
The medical malpractice lawyers at Levin & Perconti argued that VA doctors failed to respond appropriately to Susan’s worsening neurological symptoms. The firm’s neurosurgical expert testified that a timely evaluation and second surgery would have given Susan a 70% to 80% chance of stopping the progression of her condition.
The government denied violating the standard of care and argued that another surgery might not have improved her symptoms.
“The issue wasn’t whether another surgery could guarantee a full recovery. Our client had a substantial chance of preventing further spinal cord damage, but her doctors never gave her that option. Patients deserve the opportunity to make informed decisions about treatment before that opportunity disappears.”
$5.77 Million Verdict
Following a bench trial, U.S. District Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer awarded Susan Liebig-Grigsby $5.77 million.
This case was handled by John J. Perconti of Levin & Perconti. While no verdict can undo years of pain and suffering, this result holds the hospital accountable for their negligence, eases the financial burden these injuries created, and allows our client’s family to move forward.
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How We Can Help You
When trusted healthcare providers fail to deliver standard medical care resulting in severe injury, a diminished quality of life, or the loss of a loved one, Levin & Perconti steps in with relentless advocacy and unwavering legal representation.
We begin by taking the time to listen to your story, thoroughly examining your treatment history and evaluating your legal options during a free initial consultation that carries zero upfront costs or financial risk. Our firm focuses deeply on complex medical malpractice claims, routinely navigating intricate clinical failures such as surgical negligence, misdiagnoses, delayed diagnoses, medication mistakes, and critical care oversights.
Through rigorous investigation and aggressive representation, we pursue full financial recovery to cover immediate medical expenses, ongoing corrective treatments, lost wages, and the lasting physical and emotional impact on you and your family.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
