A woman is suing Casper-based Wyoming Medical Center and two physicians for wrongful death on behalf of her husband who had spine surgery in 2018, K2 Radio reported Jan. 18.
The case went to trial Jan. 17, the report said. Tanya Meek filed the lawsuit against neurosurgeon Lee Warren, MD; an anesthesiologist; and WMC in 2020 and is seeking $15 million in damages.
Ms. Meek's late husband, Calvin Grinder, had a microdiscectomy July 23, 2018. Her lawsuit alleged Dr. Warren tore Mr. Grinder's abdominal aorta near his lower spine, causing "undiagnosed hemorrhaging," the report said.
After surgery, he had low blood pressure and a high heart rate, the report said. His condition continued to deteriorate and he had a second surgery hours after his spine procedure. He passed away in the intensive care unit later that day.
Ms. Meek's lawsuit alleged multiple acts of negligence in her late husband's surgery and postsurgical care, the report said. She alleged physicians didn't recognize he was in shock when he went to the post-anesthesia care unit, failed to obtain imaging, and didn't take him back to the OR when his vital signs showed signs of shock.
Wyoming Medical Center didn't immediately respond to a Jan. 18 request for comment from Becker's.