Sharon Jacks, a 74-year-old veteran from Meigs County, Ohio, went into Selby General Hospital on September 15, 2025, for what was supposed to be a routine below-the-knee amputation of her right leg. Instead, her left leg was amputated. The shocking incident has led Jacks to file a lawsuit against the hospital, claiming gross negligence and emotional distress.
The legal complaint, filed earlier this month in Washington County Court in Marietta, names nine defendants, including the hospital and the medical professionals involved in the surgery. Jacks’ attorney, Brad Layne, stated that the surgical error has left her a double amputee. Four months after the botched procedure, Jacks had to undergo another amputation, this time of her right leg—the one that should have been removed initially.
According to the lawsuit, the planned amputation was part of Jacks’ treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Jacks asserts she never consented to the removal of her left leg. The complaint details how the surgical team had multiple opportunities to verify the correct limb before proceeding but failed to do so. Medical records included in the filing indicate that two surgical “time-outs” were conducted prior to the operation. These pauses are standard practice designed to confirm critical details, like patient identity and the procedure being performed. Despite these checks, the surgical team allegedly proceeded with the incorrect amputation.
In a statement to WBNS-TV, Selby General Hospital acknowledged the incident as “an avoidable event.” The hospital confirmed that established procedures were not followed and stated that those involved have been held accountable and are no longer in their positions. They expressed sorrow over the situation and stated that they continue to keep Jacks and her family in their prayers.
The suit outlines the physical and emotional toll this incident has taken on Jacks. She claims to have suffered “physical injury, permanent disability, pain and suffering, emotional distress, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses and other damages.”
The legal action raises serious questions about the safeguards in place within medical facilities, particularly regarding surgical procedures. Jacks’ case is not an isolated incident. Medical errors, including wrong-site surgeries, have raised alarms across the healthcare industry, prompting calls for improved protocols and better training.
Ohio's medical malpractice landscape can be complex. In cases like this, the burden often falls on plaintiffs to prove negligence, which requires showing that the medical provider failed to meet a standard of care. Jacks' lawsuit aims to address this failure through a comprehensive legal strategy.
Jacks and her husband are seeking unspecified compensatory damages for the alleged negligence. The case will determine the legal responsibility of the hospital and the medical professionals involved. As this story unfolds, it highlights the critical importance of patient safety protocols in surgical settings.
In an era where patients are increasingly aware of their rights and the standards of care they should expect, the outcome of this lawsuit could have broader implications for surgical practices across the country. The focus on accountability within healthcare systems is more pressing than ever, especially when the consequences of negligence can lead to life-altering outcomes.
According to TheShadeRoom.
