Dallas Man Lost Limbs to a MRSA Infection
In recent years, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections have become more common in hospitals throughout the country. Other MRSA infections are beginning to occur in community settings outside the hospital ward as well. A Texas man went into septic shock following an ulcer surgery. By the time the infection was diagnosed and treated, gangrene had set in, requiring the removal of both arms below his elbows and both legs below his knees. In the man’s medical malpractice trial a Dallas county civil jury awarded $17.5 million, but because of the malpractice caps in that state he will collect only $7.5 million of it.
The man’s attorney, Linda Turley, said the malpractice caps were a "tragic unfairness" to her client, who has relied on family members for daily living over the last six years. He now lives with his brother in East Texas. “He can't bathe by himself, can't get out of the house by himself and will need assistance for the rest of his life,” Turley said.
