Title: Man Awarded $3.2 Million in Lawsuit Over Misdiagnosis Resulting in Amputation

In a recent court ruling, a Martin County man has been awarded $3.2 million in a lawsuit against a doctor he claims misdiagnosed his condition, leading to the amputation of his leg. The plaintiff, Russell Caughey, shared his harrowing experience with WPTV, recounting the painful aftermath of his misdiagnosis and subsequent loss of his limb.

Caughey lost his leg in November 2018 after a fall at his trailer, where he was carrying an air conditioner and slipped on some bricks. At the time, he believed his leg was fine as it remained attached and showed no immediate signs of distress. The following day, however, Caughey noticed swelling and assumed it was a twisted ankle.

Seeking medical assistance, Caughey visited the emergency room at Martin North Hospital in Stuart. There, he claims that the attending doctor, Donald Wood, merely diagnosed him with a sprained ankle without conducting any further tests or investigations. The lawsuit states that Wood failed to properly address Caughey's complaints of pain and neglected to order essential blood tests or diagnostic procedures.

As Caughey's condition worsened, he returned to the hospital after three days of rest and elevation at home. This time, an MRI revealed significant soft tissue edema throughout his leg, indicating a potential blister formation. Caughey was subsequently informed that he had contracted staph infection and gangrene, which ultimately led to the amputation of his leg.

During the trial, Wood's defense argued that the doctor had followed the standard of care and that Caughey may have contracted the flesh-eating bacteria during the three-day period he spent at home. However, Caughey's legal team presented expert testimony that supported the idea that the bacteria typically presents over a longer period, further underscoring their claims of misdiagnosis.

After a thorough evaluation of the evidence, the jury ruled in favor of Caughey and awarded him $3.2 million in damages. The verdict highlights the importance of proper medical diagnosis and the potential repercussions of overlooking essential tests and examinations.

While Martin North Hospital was initially named as a defendant in the lawsuit, a settlement was reached between Caughey and the hospital last year. Cleveland Clinic, which owns Martin North Hospital, emphasized the well-being of patients as their top priority but declined to comment on the litigation.

Wood's attorneys have requested the court to overturn the verdict or schedule a new trial, as per court records. However, they did not provide a comment when approached by WPTV.

Caughey, now equipped with a prosthetic leg, hopes that his story serves as a reminder for others to seek second opinions when faced with a medical diagnosis. He urges individuals to prioritize their health and well-being, emphasizing that an additional consultation could potentially prevent such devastating outcomes.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough medical assessments and highlights the need for accountability within the healthcare system.