Surgical Malpractice – Negligent Knee Revision Procedure: Guminski v. Spectrum Health Lakeland Community Bone and Joint et al.

Sommers Schwartz attorney Robert Sickels filed a medical malpractice and general negligence lawsuit alleging the defendants improperly performed a knee replacement revision surgery.

The plaintiff underwent a total right knee arthroplasty in 2019. Following that surgery, he continued to have pain and motion limitations. He then consulted with the defendant orthopedic surgeon who recommended a revision surgery to replace the previously implanted devices with new Smith and Nephew components. The doctor performed that surgery on August 10, 2020.

Following the procedure, the plaintiff’s knee was swollen, painful, and tight, and he did not improve. He consulted another surgeon unaffiliated with the defendants, who recommended another procedure. On January 18, 2022, the plaintiff underwent a third surgery on his right knee, during which the implanted Smith and Nephew devices were adjusted significantly. 

The complaint alleges that the defendant surgeon breached the standard of care in numerous ways, including improperly implanting a tibial device. The plaintiff claims that due to the defendant’s negligence, he continued to suffer pain, disability, and difficulty walking and had to undergo additional surgery and physical therapy. The lawsuit seeks damages for disfigurement, scarring, medical expenses, loss of wages, diminution of earning capacity, and mental and emotional anguish and anxiety.