A surgeon at Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) finally resigned in December 2023 after multiple medical malpractice lawsuits that raised serious concerns about patient safety and the oversight mechanisms in place at NGHS.
The surgeon, gynecologic oncologist Dr. Andrew Green, was the subject of four medical malpractice lawsuits in the past three years alone. These cases paint a disturbing picture of alleged negligence and repeated surgical errors, predominantly affecting women undergoing gastrointestinal and other surgeries.
A Pattern of Complications
One recent high-profile case involving this surgeon resulted in a staggering $3 million verdict. The lawsuit, which Lewis Law skillfully handled, was filed on behalf of the family of Frances (Susie) Mitchell, a 42-year-old woman who tragically lost her life five years ago following surgery to remove a pelvic mass from her abdomen. Ms. Mitchell’s mother, Shirley Metcalf, filed the complaint.
The Georgia medical malpractice jury found that the surgeon had perforated Mitchell's small intestine during the procedure and then negligently failed to properly examine her small intestine for injury before closing the surgical site.
This case, while devastating, is unfortunately not an isolated incident, nor is it the only successful suit Lewis Law pressed against Green.
A closer look at the surgeon's recent history reveals a troubling pattern of similar complications:
- In December 2019, a settlement was reached in a case involving a woman who underwent surgery in May 2017 to have her cervix removed. During the procedure, the surgeon noted an injury to the patient's small bowel and attempted to repair it with a stitch.
- However, days later, the woman experienced severe complications, including fever and abdominal pain. Emergency surgery revealed approximately 2 liters of feces in her abdomen, leading to severe sepsis and septic shock.
- A lawsuit filed in March 2019 alleges that a 13-week pregnant woman suffered a miscarriage and severe complications following a robotic-assisted surgery performed by the same surgeon in March 2017. The complaint states that the patient's left ureter was cut during the procedure, leading to ongoing health issues. Lewis Law joined as lead attorney after the plaintiff filed the suit.
- Another case, filed in May 2020, involves a woman who underwent surgery to remove a pelvic mass in March 2018. The lawsuit claims that the surgeon perforated the patient's bowel during the procedure and failed to repair it, resulting in acute sepsis and the need for emergency exploratory surgery days later. Lewis Law filed the suit and served as the only attorneys on this case.
Concerns Over Patient Safety and Hospital Oversight
The fact that the surgeon continued to practice at NGHS despite these serious allegations, news reports, and legal actions raises significant questions about the hospital's commitment to patient safety and its protocols for addressing repeated instances of alleged malpractice.
Medical experts and patient advocates argue that such a pattern of complications should trigger immediate action from hospital administrators and medical boards. The failure to do so not only puts future patients at risk but also erodes public trust in the healthcare system.
Hospitals must ensure the safety of patients, and these cases should raise red flags that demand thorough investigations and potentially, corrective actions.
The Broader Impact on Healthcare
This situation at NGHS is not just a local issue but reflects broader concerns about patient safety, medical accountability, and the effectiveness of current systems for addressing repeated instances of alleged malpractice.
It raises important questions about:
- The adequacy of current peer review processes in hospitals
- The role of state medical boards in overseeing and disciplining physicians
- The balance between protecting patients and ensuring due process for healthcare providers
- The potential need for more transparent reporting of surgical outcomes and complications
Healthcare policy experts argue that cases like this highlight the need for systemic changes in how hospitals and medical boards handle repeated allegations of malpractice.
Proposed solutions include more frequent and rigorous peer reviews, mandatory reporting of surgical complications to state medical boards, and improved transparency for patients regarding their surgeons' track records.
Legal Implications and Patient Rights
The series of lawsuits against this surgeon and NGHS highlights the critical role that the legal system plays in holding healthcare providers accountable and advocating for patient rights.
The recent $3 million verdict Lewis Law secured for the family of Frances (Susie) Mitchell serves as a powerful reminder of the potential consequences of medical negligence.
While no amount of money can ever truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, verdicts like this send a clear message about the importance of patient safety and the need for healthcare providers to maintain the highest standards of care.
For patients who have undergone surgeries at NGHS or have concerns about their medical treatment, these cases underscore the importance of being vigilant about one's healthcare and seeking legal counsel when necessary.
Getting Legal Help From an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered injuries or losses due to suspected negligence by a healthcare provider, don't hesitate to reach out to an experienced medical malpractice attorney to discuss your case at no cost.
At Lewis Law, we have a proven track record in handling complex medical malpractice cases.
Along with the $3 million verdict for the family of Frances (Susie) Mitchell, we’ve secured many substantial settlements and court awards for individuals and families suffering needlessly due to a healthcare provider’s negligence.
We believe in holding medical providers accountable and making sure they maintain transparency. We also have an unwavering commitment to patient safety and advocating for those who suffered injuries or lost close family members due to surgical errors and other forms of medical negligence in Winder and throughout Georgia.
Reach out to Lewis Law today for your free consultation. We can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options. With us by your side, you greatly increase your chances of holding the at-fault parties responsible and getting the maximum compensation you and your family deserve.