Woman Left Paralyzed By Surgery Awarded $700,000

By Daniel Hawn

Published on August 15, 2005

On December 26, 2002, Tammy Terry underwent surgery at the Neurological Center of Southwest Virginia to correct a spinal lesion that was causing her severe discomfort. After the surgery, Terry awoke to discover that she lacked any feeling in her legs. She subsequently required eight months of rehabilitation in order to walk again.

Terry filed a malpractice lawsuit in May 2004, against Dr. Raymond Harron, the osteopath who performed the surgery. In court, Terry's attorney, Anthony Russell, claimed that Terry's injuries were the result of Harron moving Terry's spinal cord during the operation.

Terry said that she now uses a cane to walk around and has to be careful because she is unaware of exactly where her feet are since she has no feeling in her legs. Because of her condition Terry was forced to quit her job as an anesthesia technician, and now relies on disability.

Harron and his attorney were unavailable for comment Friday afternoon.

Although the verdict was significantly less than the $3.5 million Terry originally sought, she said she was pleased with the award.

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