The Costly Mistake: Tennessee Woman Awarded $3.45M in Damages for Disfiguring Surgery
In a shocking turn of events, a Tennessee woman, Kellianne Goodnight, has been awarded $3.45 million in damages after a botched surgery left her permanently disfigured. The ordeal began at the Chattanooga Skin and Cancer Clinic in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where Goodnight underwent a Mohr’s surgery that went horribly wrong. Doctors at the clinic allegedly removed several layers of skin above the bridge of her nose, claiming they were filled with cancer cells. However, a third-party examination later revealed that none of the layers removed had any signs of skin cancer.
The Surgery Gone Awry
The Mohr’s surgery, a procedure commonly used to treat skin cancer, involves removing layers of tissue at the crease of the nose and face to check for cancer cells. In Goodnight’s case, the doctors at the Chattanooga Skin and Cancer Clinic claimed they had to remove a total of seven layers of tissue. Despite their assurances, the subsequent examination proved that the layers were cancer-free. This shocking revelation left Goodnight devastated and with a deep, irreparable crater on her face.
The Aftermath and Legal Battle
Following the surgery, Goodnight experienced immense pain and suffering, both physically and emotionally. The permanent disfigurement of her face, coupled with structural damage to the underlying muscles, required multiple corrective surgeries and ongoing medical care. The ordeal also took a toll on her mental health, as Goodnight found herself unable to go out in public without wearing a mask to hide the devastating wound on her face. The repercussions of the botched surgery were not only physical but also resulted in the loss of her job at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.
After months of battling the aftermath of the surgery, Goodnight decided to take legal action against the Chattanooga Skin and Cancer Clinic and the medical professionals involved in her care. The lawsuit alleged that Dr. Mark G. Tusa and nurse practitioner Sharon Ann Brown had misled Goodnight about the necessity of the procedure and the presence of cancer cells in her tissues. The pathologist’s report revealed that Tusa had misinterpreted the findings, leading to the unnecessary removal of healthy tissue and the creation of a permanent scar on Goodnight’s face.
Justice Served
In a landmark ruling, Hamilton County Circuit Court Judge Michael Sharp sided with Goodnight and awarded her a staggering $3.45 million in damages. The breakdown of the award included $800,000 for past pain and suffering, $500,000 for future pain and suffering, $1,500,000 for permanent impairment and disfigurement, $100,000 for the past loss of the ability to enjoy life, $400,000 for the future ability to enjoy life, and nearly $150,000 for past medical care and services. The ruling served as a victory for Goodnight, who had endured months of physical and emotional trauma as a result of the negligent actions of the medical professionals involved.
The case of Kellianne Goodnight serves as a stark reminder of the importance of patient advocacy and informed consent in medical procedures. It highlights the devastating consequences that can arise from medical errors and the long-lasting impact they can have on a patient’s life. As Goodnight continues her journey towards healing and recovery, her story stands as a warning to healthcare providers everywhere to prioritize patient safety above all else.
