Professional Negligence Law Reporter

James Spangler, 58, underwent a laminoplasty at C3-7 performed by neurosurgeon Joseph Krzeminski at Wellspan York Hospital. During the procedure, neuromonitoring was nonreassuring and showed absent and impaired electrical activity. Krzeminski proceeded with the surgery.

After the operation, Spangler developed paralysis. Despite surgery, he suffers from catastrophic neurological impairment. He required years of intensive physical therapy to regain some of his mobility and is unable to return to work as a mechanic earning approximately $74,300 annually.

Spangler and his wife sued the hospital and Krzeminski, alleging that the physician mistakenly inserted a screw into Spangler’s spinal cord during the laminoplasty. The plaintiffs also asserted that it took 10 hours for the performance of a postoperative MRI and another 12 hours before Spangler was returned to surgery.

The jury awarded approximately $23.8 million.

Citation: Spangler v. York Hosp., No. 2020-SU-000316 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. York Cnty. Sept. 27, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Iddo Harel and Blake Kaplan, both of Philadelphia.