An Atlanta couple has filed a lawsuit against Emory University Hospital in Midtown, Georgia, alleging that they lost part of a patient's skull during surgery in September 2022 and were later billed $19,000 to replace it, according to court documents.
Fernando and Maria Craster filed a lawsuit against a local hospital, alleging that the hospital lost part of Fernando's skull after brain surgery. According to The lawsuit details a series of events that allegedly led to extended hospital stays, additional surgeries and caused the couple physical and emotional distress, according to the complaint filed in DeKalb County, Georgia, court.
🚨🇺🇸Atlanta couple sues hospital after patient loses part of skull after brain surgery
An Atlanta couple has filed a lawsuit against Emory University Midtown Hospital, accusing the hospital of causing Fernando Craster to lose part of his skull after brain surgery.
The lawsuit alleges that hospital staff… pic.twitter.com/E2B2PcxO2X
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 18, 2024
The hospital admitted Fernando for emergency surgery on Sept. 30, 2022, to treat a brain hemorrhage. During the operation, surgeons removed a 12-by-15-centimeter section of Fernando's skull, which they planned to replace in a subsequent operation, court documents state. However, complications reportedly arose during the subsequent surgery in November 2022. (Related article: Gender-detransitioner sues doctor and hospital over childhood sex change)
According to the lawsuit, hospital staff were unable to locate the cluster's bone fragments because the patient identification information for the stored bone fragments was not properly managed. Unable to identify the fragments, staff reportedly opted to replace them with artificial bones. The use of the artificial fragments allegedly led to further complications, including infections that required additional surgery. The misplacement and subsequent problems with the original skull fragments led to an extended hospital stay and medical expenses totaling more than $146,845.60, according to court documents.
APPLE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 27: Patients rest in a crowded emergency room hallway at Providence Saint Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley, California on January 27, 2021. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Emory Healthcare had not commented on the ongoing litigation as of writing, but expressed its commitment to high-quality, compassionate care, NBC News reported. ReportedMeanwhile, the couple are seeking damages for general damages on both sides, but no specific amount is reportedly stated in the complaint.
