In October 2022, Jonathan Buckelew, a 32-year-old man from Georgia, received a groundbreaking $75 million malpractice verdict. The case stemmed from a catastrophic delay in diagnosing a brainstem stroke after a routine chiropractic visit in 2015, leaving Buckelew with irreversible brain damage and locked-in syndrome.
What Happened
In 2015, Jonathan Buckelew visited a chiropractor in Georgia for neck pain, tinnitus, and visual disturbances. During a routine neck adjustment, Buckelew suddenly lost consciousness, prompting paramedics to rush him to North Fulton Hospital in Roswell, Georgia. Upon arrival, he could only move his right hand, a clear sign of neurological distress.
Emergency room physician Dr. Matthew Womack ordered a CT scan and neck imaging, which revealed a potential vertebral artery dissection. However, radiologist Dr. James Waldschmidt did not identify visible arterial thrombosis, a crucial detail that could have indicated a stroke. Despite consulting with a neurologist, Dr. Womack allegedly omitted critical information about Buckelew’s chiropractic visit and worsening symptoms, failing to trigger a stroke alert, as hospital policy required.
The misdiagnosis led to a nearly 24-hour delay in the proper treatment of Buckelew’s brainstem stroke. By the time doctors correctly identified the stroke, Buckelew had suffered irreversible damage, resulting in locked-in syndrome. He became fully paralyzed, with only his eyes able to move. He remained cognitively aware throughout, trapped inside his own body.
Who Was Jonathan Buckelew?
Jonathan Buckelew was a 32-year-old man from Georgia, living an active and normal life prior to the tragic events of 2015. Buckelew sought chiropractic care for neck pain and other symptoms but never imagined that the treatment would set the course for such a devastating medical outcome.
After the stroke, Buckelew’s life took an unimaginable turn. Despite his severe physical limitations, Buckelew’s cognitive function remained intact, and he has fought to communicate through blinking or typing with his nose. His parents transformed their home into a 24-hour care facility to provide for his extensive needs, but Buckelew’s condition remains a heartbreaking reminder of the catastrophic consequences of medical errors.
Career, Legacy, or Case Details
In October 2022, a jury found Dr. Matthew Womack and Dr. James Waldschmidt grossly negligent in their failure to diagnose Buckelew’s stroke in a timely manner. The jury awarded Buckelew $75 million, the largest emergency medicine malpractice verdict in Georgia’s history. The case highlighted significant gaps in medical procedures, particularly regarding the failure to recognize and respond to clear stroke symptoms.
This verdict marked a crucial moment in malpractice law, shedding light on the severe impact of medical negligence and the importance of timely and accurate diagnoses. The Buckelew case has become a point of reference for medical professionals and legal experts dealing with similar malpractice cases.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The Buckelew family’s fight for justice has sparked an outpouring of support from the public. Many took to social media to express their sympathy for Jonathan’s condition and to highlight the importance of medical accountability. The hashtag #JusticeForJonathan gained traction online, with users sharing the story to raise awareness about the potential dangers of medical negligence.
Buckelew’s parents, particularly his father, have been vocal about the emotional toll of the case. In interviews, his father shared the heartbreaking reality that, on some days, Jonathan would say “pull the plug,” overwhelmed by the weight of his locked-in syndrome. Despite this, the Buckelews remain committed to ensuring Jonathan’s care and raising awareness about the consequences of medical malpractice.
Official Statements or What Happens Next
Following the landmark verdict, the Buckelew family has expressed mixed emotions. While the $75 million award brings a sense of justice, it can never undo the damage done. Jonathan’s parents continue to provide full-time care for their son, who communicates only through limited methods.
In response to the verdict, both Dr. Matthew Womack and Dr. James Waldschmidt’s legal teams have pursued appeals, which have been unsuccessful. For now, the Buckelew family continues to fight for better standards in healthcare and more stringent medical protocols, ensuring that what happened to Jonathan never happens again to another patient.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
