Man Blames Medical Clinic For Paralysis In Leg

According to recently filed court documents, while he was undergoing a revision to a left knee replacement, a man from Kanawha County, West Virginia had personal injury caused to his sciatic nerve by the doctors, causing him to endure paralysis in the lower portion of his left leg.

Robert R. Harper filed suit in Kanawha Circuit Court, naming Dr. Bruce F. Haupt, Mountain Pride Orthopedics, and The Cleveland Clinic Foundation as defendants. The case has since been removed to U.S. District Court.

Pursuant to an order from Judge James O. Holliday, Haupt and Mountain Pride have been removed as defendants from the case.

In the initial complaint, Harper alleged that Haupt removed his left knee cap and performed a total knee replacement on December 21, 2007. Afterwards, Harper developed an infection in his left knee. He underwent treatment for the infected knee at Thomas Memorial Hospital, but he continued experiencing pain.

Harper visited The Cleveland Clinic Foundation on February 25, 2009 and underwent a revision to his left knee replacement, according to the complaint.

The complaint said that during the procedure, doctors injured Harper’s sciatic nerve, which runs from a person’s back to lower limb. The injury has resulted in Harper suffering paralysis to his left lower extremity.

Harper claims the paralysis has caused him to struggle to perform normal work, such as household chores and mowing the yard and suffer additional medical problems.

Harper seeks damages for his injuries, pre- and post-judgment interests, costs, attorney’s fees, and other relief the court deems just in the two-count suit.

Haupt and Mountain Pride Orthopedics denied responsibility for Harper’s injuries and asked to be removed from the suit. Their request was granted.