The largest verdict in Weakley County, Tenn., history has been handed down in a medical malpractice lawsuit brought against HealthSouth Cane Creek Rehabilitation Hospital and one of its doctors.
The jury required the hospital pay $15.2 million to 23-year-old plaintiff, Cody Wade of Martin.
In 2007, Wade suffered multiple injuries from a car wreck which required a tracheostomy at a Memphis trauma center. After a slow recovery, Wade was deemed well enough to return home to HealthSouth Cane Creek. At this time, he was able to walk the length of a football field with assistance, and could communicate via written messages. During the third week of rehab, his doctor decided to remove the trach tube. After 18 hours, Wade complained of breathing problems which Dr. Susan Lowry attributed to mucous. A few hours later his airway collapsed.
Wade suffered anoxic brain damage and is now unable to speak or move.
Nashville-based personal injury lawyers Randy Kinnard and Mary Ellen Morris represented Wade in the case.