$500,000 Jury Verdict for Medical Negligence Leading to Amputation of Index Finger

Kyle Wodzenski, 20 years old at the time of this accident, fractured his left index finger in a work-related incident. Orthopedic surgeon Fred Moore Carter II MD performed an open reduction surgery on Wodzenski, placing his finger in a plaster splint.

Wodzenski, who was suffering from significant pain, went to Dr. Carter’s office two days after his hospital discharge. Physician assistant John Rongo examined him in less than five minutes, choosing not to open the splint.

At an appointment the following week, Dr. Carter told Wodzenski that his index finger had become necrotic and required amputation.

Wodzenski underwent the procedure amputating his left index finger several days later. He sued the physician assistant, John Rongo, and Dr. Carter claiming negligence and vicarious liability. Wodzenski asserted that Rongo should have examined the finger at the first appointment, which would have shown poor vascular flow that would have required immediate medical attention. There was no claim for lost income.

The jury signed a verdict for $500,000.

The attorneys successfully representing Wodzenski were Norman Steiner, Marna Berkman and Robert Tolchin.

At trial, Wodzenski’s attorneys presented an expert in hand surgery.

Wodzenski v. Carter, No. 00227382010 (N.Y. Super. Ct. Suffolk County).

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling medical malpractice lawsuits, surgical negligence lawsuits, birth injury lawsuits, brain injury cases and physician negligence lawsuits for individuals, families and loved ones who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of a medical provider for more than 40 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Calumet Park, Blue Island, Oak Lawn, Bridgeview, Chicago Ridge, Oak Forest, Orland Park, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Arlington Heights, Palos Heights, Chicago (Brighton Park, Little Village, Garfield Park, Hermosa, Mont Clare, Galewood, Pilsen, Greek Town, Goose Island, Roscoe Village), Harwood Heights, Park Ridge and Rolling Meadows, Ill.