Man mistankenly gets legs amputated... unable to sue doctor.

[bishop_74]

LINK (http://coltonscourage.blogspot.com/)

Colton Read is an amazing young man. His life has not always been easy, but somehow Colton has always made lemonade when life gave him lemons. Now he faces the most difficult challenge he has ever met.

On July 9th, 2009 airman Colton went into David Grant MedicaL Center at Travis Air Force Base in Sacramento, CA. His was to receive a routine gall bladder removal procedure. A resident was allowed to perform the surgery and nicked Colton's aortic valve. The surgical team waited two hours too long to send Colton to a vascular specialist at UC Davis Medical Center, only a 40 minute drive away. Because of this, both of Colton's legs have been amputated.

News Story #1 http://www.fox40.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=62ebf0da-331f-41b0-b732-b737b9c4e79d&src=front


The Air Force has now stated Colton will likely be discharged because of his condition. Colton's spirits are crushed. To top it off the government has a doctrine in place that prevents military personnel from suing even in this case of admitted human error.



News Story #2 http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=44394@ktvt.dayport.com


This young man has been left without his legs, and potentially without his dream career, and likely without any justice for this tragedy. He needs your help! Please take a moment a leave a comment here. His family can share it with him and help lift his spirits. His condition is still not stable and an out pouring of positive energy can make a difference.

[Halfcan]

sad-what a crock of shit

que Metallica's ONE video.

[teedubya]

America! Fuck Yeah!

[Bwana]

Unreal

Who was leading the surgical team, Frank Burns?

[MIAdragon]

He cant sue but IIRC his fam can.

[MoreLemonPledge]

sad-what a crock of shit

que Metallica's ONE video.

I felt really bad for the guy, and then I read this and chuckled.

Now I feel really bad.

[OnTheWarpath15]

He cant sue but IIRC his fam can.

Their case doesn't have any legs.

[The Franchise]

He cant sue but IIRC his fam can.

Nope....unfortunately the family can't either.

[acesn8s]

If that doctor was that bad I would just walk out of his office.

[Halfcan]

Unreal

Who was leading the surgical team, Frank Burns?

ROFL no kidding, that is messed up

[BigMeatballDave]

No wonder the guy can't sue...he doesn't have a leg to stand on...

[MoreLemonPledge]

That doctor must really be kicking himself.

With his leg.

That he still has.

[Demonpenz]

They can't sue because of The state leGislature

[MoreLemonPledge]

Legs.

[Simplex3]

Only in government can they make you unable to do your job through their own fault, then fire you from that job and leave you without means to support yourself.

I can't wait until they're managing all of our health care.

[Brock]

Socialized health care will be great.

[Frazod]

There's no way this kid will ever get a monetary settlement, which sucks.

However, he will get disability for the rest of his life, and will probably be discharged in such a way that he will get full VA benefits. It's not like they're just going to toss the kid out of the main gate on his stumps.

As for the doctor, he'll probably get kicked out and have his license pulled. His career as an officer and doctor is all but over.

Obviously not enough compensation for the kid or enough punishment for the doctor, but it is what it is.

[bishop_74]

I didn't mean to turn this in to an I hate the govermnet thread, but this begs the question are you fooked when socialized health care srews up like this?

[Halfcan]

There's no way this kid will ever get a monetary settlement, which sucks.

However, he will get disability for the rest of his life, and will probably be discharged in such a way that he will get full VA benefits. It's not like they're just going to toss the kid out of the main gate on his stumps.

As for the doctor, he'll probably get kicked out and have his license pulled. His career as an officer and doctor is all but over.

Obviously not enough compensation for the kid or enough punishment for the doctor, but it is what it is.

ROFL toss him out on his stumps

[Halfcan]

I didn't mean to turn this in to an I hate the govermnet thread, but this begs the question are you fooked when socialized health care srews up like this?

yep

[Halfcan]

Socialized health care will be great.

yep I would hold off on that gallbladder surgery

[PunkinDrublic]

This guy needs to learn to pull himself up by his bootstraps.

[Gonzo]

I'm sure he'll get some sort of military disability from this.
Not enough IMO
Posted via Mobile Device

[PRIEST]

Well that's a real kick in the azz
:doh!:

[JOhn]

:shake:

WOW


About all I can say.

[RNR]

Socialized health care will be great.

No shit

[Halfcan]

:shake:

WOW


About all I can say.

well put-even spelled it right- the O right between the two W's-lol

[JOhn]

well put-even spelled it right- the O right between the two W's-lol

:grr:

[RJ]

He could never win the law suit.

He doesn't have a leg to stand on.

[reiko57]

do you people crack jokes like that about disabled people in real life?

its the internet, so i wont call you classless, but leave it on the internet, dont be shitty human beings

[FAX]

This makes me sick.

And the comment about socialized health care is spot on, Mr. Brock. Damn those bastards.

FAX

[MoreLemonPledge]

do you people crack jokes like that about disabled people in real life?

its the internet, so i wont call you classless, but leave it on the internet, dont be shitty human beings

When all you can do is either laugh or cry...

[Halfcan]

do you people crack jokes like that about disabled people in real life?

its the internet, so i wont call you classless, but leave it on the internet, dont be shitty human beings

ROFL You must be new around here.

I don't think there is a limit to bad taste here. NOTHING is above cracking jokes on. Stick around I am sure you will see worse. :)

[RJ]

He could never win the law suit.

He doesn't have a leg to stand on.


It's a very old joke.....which is what I thought the thread was based on the title. My mistake.

I make fun of lots of things, but usually not guys whose legs were mistakenly amputated.

[JOhn]

do you people crack jokes like that about disabled people in real life?

its the internet, so i wont call you classless, but leave it on the internet, dont be shitty human beings

Geez, lighten up, and don't take things so seriously:shake:


And before you think to preach to me about the disabled, DON'T.

[ziggysocki]

I will count myself lucky that when the Army dentist took my wisdom teeth that I woke up with both kidneys... Or did I?

[Uncle_Ted]

I didn't mean to turn this in to an I hate the govermnet thread, but this begs the question are you fooked when socialized health care srews up like this?

The other way to look at it is these are the kind of f*ck-ups that happen when the doctor/hospital doesn't have to worry about getting sued for malpractice ...

[RJ]

The other way to look at it is these are the kind of f*ck-ups that happen when the doctor/hospital doesn't have to worry about getting sued for malpractice ...


I personally think that's the more likely of the two.

[JD10367]

Here's the thing, as I'm finding out with parents and in-laws going through medical issues: by and large, doctors and hospitals SUCK. They have no frigging idea what they're doing, they misdiagnose constantly and throw simple solutions or a lot of drugs at the problem, hoping they just get you back out the door before you croak on their property. Ever watch how often the team on "House" f**k up a diagnosis, LOL? Those are the best and the brightest; what shot do we have with the morons in your average hospital? There's a cable series on right now called "Monsters Inside Me", about parasites: every single frigging episode so far, the person was misdiagnosed about five times and placated with a simple answer and the wrong course of treatment.

[Garcia Bronco]

The military cannot keep him from suing.

[joesomebody]

I will count myself lucky that when the Army dentist took my wisdom teeth that I woke up with both kidneys... Or did I?Thankfully for me, the waiting list for the dentist was stretched out over a month so they sent me to a civilian dentist when they took my wisdom teeth.

[joesomebody]

The military cannot keep him from suing. I'm not lawyer, but I'm pretty sure he can't sue. At least that's always been the case before.

[Reaper16]

We should host a walk-a-thon for his benefit.

[Garcia Bronco]

I'm not lawyer, but I'm pretty sure he can't sue. At least that's always been the case before.

While it's probably been the case, it's a violation of his 1st amendment rights, IMO. Further more I'd bet if it were run up to the the SC he'd get his opportunity. Either way it makes me want to puke.

[Pioli Zombie]

To make matters worse Badgirl wouldn't help him with his orange juice.
Posted via Mobile Device

[BigMeatballDave]

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G6c1HWWspGo&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G6c1HWWspGo&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

[bishop_74]

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G6c1HWWspGo&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G6c1HWWspGo&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

Holy Jesus none of the other stuff was funny... but this about made me piss myself. ROFL

[CoMoChief]

Jesus that's awful. He should be able eligible for some kind of legal action. Anyone outside the military would have this case up in court in no time, would either win or at least settle out of court.

Now he has to live the rest of his life without any legs.

Not trying to be selfish here even though it may sound like it, don't take this the wrong way but I couldn't live without legs. I wouldn't be able to live with myself knowing someone would probably have to take care of me. Something tragic like this would just want me to end my life. Even though I probably wouldn't.

[FAX]

It's sickening, Mr. CoMoChief. Those bastards ought to pony up without being forced into it. That's number one. I don't know what number two is, but I hope it has something to do with getting dunked upside down in hot, boiling cat semen.

This comes as close to unforgivable as anything I've ever heard of. This is a case where the cost of negligence is too high. Far too high.

FAX

[Stinger]

do you people crack jokes like that about disabled people in real life?

its the internet, so i wont call you classless, but leave it on the internet, dont be shitty human beings

Well that is a Defeetist Attitude to have toward the situation.

[Barret]

You know since everyone else in this thread is going the low road.......

While it's probably been the case, it's a violation of his 1st amendment rights, IMO. Further more I'd bet if it were run up to the the SC he'd get his opportunity. Either way it makes me want to puke.


Uhm I don't think he will be able to run that up to the Supreme Court.

[Katipan]

Well that is a Defeetist Attitude to have toward the situation.

groan

[Gary]

Only in government can they make you unable to do your job through their own fault, then fire you from that job and leave you without means to support yourself.

I can't wait until they're managing all of our health care.

Damn socialized military! This sounds like a good time to introduce Starkwood as our new privatized national security military!

[Kerberos]

The military has ALWAYS been known to have it's share of HACK doctors (Maj Frank Burns) as well as great Dr's too.

I had to have some orthopedic surgery back in 1984 and the Dr. I had in Manhattan KS was straight out of the Army and was considered back then one of the top 10 Orthopedists in the country. I don't think I could have had a better dr. to do my surgery.

My wife was in the military for 8 years and 3 different (Hack) Army Dr's told her she would NEVER have children for a variety of reasons.

Our son just turned 5 in April. (Of course you could attribute her MIRACULOUS conception to my "Super Sperm") :)

[Old Dog]

While I'm not defending the doctors in this at all, some of you seemingly think that he went in for gallbladder surgery and they hacked off his legs. They nicked the aortic valve (huge deal, but accidents happen in all jobs) and then it took a while to transport him.
Could it possibly be that they had to get him in stable enough condidion for transport?

[Crashride]

Again. WHERE IS THE FUCKING JUSTICE.

[Garcia Bronco]

You know since everyone else in this thread is going the low road.......




Uhm I don't think he will be able to run that up to the Supreme Court.

As a citizen he has to be able to petition his Government. He can't sign that right away and IMO this mandate from the Military is unconstitutional. If I were a judge I would hear the case.

[Garcia Bronco]

While I'm not defending the doctors in this at all, some of you seemingly think that he went in for gallbladder surgery and they hacked off his legs. They nicked the aortic valve (huge deal, but accidents happen in all jobs) and then it took a while to transport him.
Could it possibly be that they had to get him in stable enough condidion for transport?

Could be many reasons he didn't get the treatment he needed, but he should be able to seek compensation. I mean they don't let you perform surgery, legally in a hospital, with a note from your Mom.

[MMXcalibur]

As an enlisted member of the Air Force, this news doesn't fill me with a lot of confidence. Thankfully, my wife had all her brain surgeries (for her epilepsy) done BEFORE we got married. Granted it's an isolated incident, but I'm going to start getting my checkups and medical procedures done by the hobo who lives under the overpass.

[DMAC]

Dude...if I was that guy, I would find that doctor and kick his ass.

[penchief]

Socialized health care will be great.

The fact that you can't sue the military has nothing to do with universal health care. It's nice to see that everyone has their thinking caps on.

Besides, isn't it the righties that are always railing against lawsuits? Liberals believe that legal protections and the right to seek legal redress are cornerstones of individual and universal liberty. While it is the right that has made it a mission to suppress those avenues of individual empowerment.

Also, isn't it the right that takes the tack that the military establishment can do no wrong? I'd be careful about criticizing anything to do with the military. Someone might twist that to mean that you don't support the troops.

[Garcia Bronco]

I just checked with a friend who has successfully sued for medical malpractice in a simular situation under the same conditions. He can sue. The edict was changed in the mid 90's.

[Garcia Bronco]

The fact that you can't sue the military has nothing to do with universal health care. It's nice to see that everyone has their thinking caps on.

Besides, isn't it the righties that are always railing against lawsuits? Liberals believe that legal protections and the right to seek legal redress are cornerstones of individual and universal liberty. While it is the right that has made it a mission to suppress those avenues of individual empowerment.

Also, isn't it the right that takes the tack that the military establishment can do no wrong? I'd be careful about criticizing anything to do with the military. Someone might twist that to mean that you don't support the troops.

Again you miss the mark. People have problems with obvious frivilous lawsuits(where are you now Stella?). Not legit ones.

It has everything to do with Universal or Socialized coverage. When the Government has a conflict of interest, who does the populace appeal to for arbitration?

[Brock]

The fact that you can't sue the military has nothing to do with universal health care. It's nice to see that everyone has their thinking caps on.

I'm glad to see that you know all about legislation that hasn't even happened yet, and what all the ramifications of it will be. You must be really, really smart.

[macdawg]

All the money in the world won't bring his legs back. Also you couldn't pay me enough money to chop my legs off. The most concerning issue to me isn't the fact he cannot sue but its the issue of allowing a resident to perform a surgery like this and allowing him to make the mistake.

[Garcia Bronco]

All the money in the world won't bring his legs back. Also you couldn't pay me enough money to chop my legs off. The most concerning issue to me isn't the fact he cannot sue but its the issue of allowing a resident to perform a surgery like this and allowing him to make the mistake.

Agreed, but he can sue.

[FAX]

The fact that you can't sue the military has nothing to do with universal health care. It's nice to see that everyone has their thinking caps on.

Besides, isn't it the righties that are always railing against lawsuits? Liberals believe that legal protections and the right to seek legal redress are cornerstones of individual and universal liberty. While it is the right that has made it a mission to suppress those avenues of individual empowerment.

Also, isn't it the right that takes the tack that the military establishment can do no wrong? I'd be careful about criticizing anything to do with the military. Someone might twist that to mean that you don't support the troops.

I have my thinking cap on, Mr. penchief ... oh, wait ... it's on backwards ... hold on ... there, we're okay now.

The correlation isn't between the ability to pursue legal redress and socialized health care. It's between the negligence demonstrated by the hack doctors and socialized health care.

It's a real concern - or should be. Already, fewer and fewer people are entering the field of non-specialized medicine, for example, because the regulations, paperwork and associated legal risks outweigh the potential financial benefit. It's not going to improve if/when health care is nationalized. Young docs don't want to think of themselves as quasi-government employees. They're already trending away from that idea.

So, what will happen is that the demand for physicians will continue because people want to live longer, healthier lives. To meet this demand, the system will simply graduate docs with fewer skills, knowledge, and competencies leading to a deterioration of overall care quality to nominal levels.

The fact that you can't use the legal system to apply qualitative pressure is merely icing on the cake.

FAX

[The Franchise]

Agreed, but he can sue.

According to my wife...who is in the Air Force.....and has wanted to sue the Air Force for what happened to her daughter. He can sue...if he gets permission from his Commander.

[Frazod]

The problem is, it seems whoever refused to transfer him to the better hospital until it was too late is more responsible than the resident who nicked the valve in the first place. That was an accident and could have been corrected. Making the poor kid lay there while his legs died because an enlisted man doesn't rate the ambulance ride is deliberate.

I'd like to know who made that decision. They're the one who is the most to blame. And if they were simply following the rules, chances are nothing will be done.

[Ebolapox]

do you people crack jokes like that about disabled people in real life?

its the internet, so i wont call you classless, but leave it on the internet, dont be shitty human beings

HI, BILLY MAYS HERE FOR CHIEFSPLANET! YA KNOW, I'M JUST HARDHEADED ENOUGH TO BELIEVE IN FREE SPEECH, BUT DON'T THINK I'M HARD OF HEART. IF YOU RESPOND NOW, YOU CAN GET ONE SUBDERMAL HEMATOMA FOR FREE, ALONG WITH FREE SHIPPING AND HANDLING! ACT NOW, AND I'LL EVEN THROW IN A SLAP CHOP!

http://francisanderson.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/billy-mays.jpg

[FAX]

The problem is, it seems whoever refused to transfer him to the better hospital until it was too late is more responsible than the resident who nicked the valve in the first place. That was an accident and could have been corrected. Making the poor kid lay there while his legs died because an enlisted man doesn't rate the ambulance ride is deliberate.

I'd like to know who made that decision. They're the one who is the most to blame. And if they were simply following the rules, chances are nothing will be done.

The doc who nicked the artery should have personally seen to it that he was transported in time, Mr. frazod.

I guaran-damn-tee you that any surgeon (rookie or otherwise) at Vanderbilt, St. Thomas, or Baptist (Nashville hospitals, for example) would have stayed with their patient's case until they were certain he was stable and in good care after a mistake like that. Although he or she obviously wouldn't have ridden in the lifeflight helicopter with the kid, they would have made certain that he was getting where he needed to go in time and followed up on his case once he arrived.

FAX

[Pioli Zombie]

Can't he just grow them back?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Frazod]

The doc who nicked the artery should have personally seen to it that he was transported in time, Mr. frazod.

I guaran-damn-tee you that any surgeon (rookie or otherwise) at Vanderbilt, St. Thomas, or Baptist (Nashville hospitals, for example) would have stayed with their patient's case until they were certain he was stable and in good care after a mistake like that. Although he or she obviously wouldn't have ridden in the lifeflight helicopter with the kid, they would have made certain that he was getting where he needed to go in time and followed up on his case once he arrived.

FAX

In a military enviroment, the decision would probably be made by the ranking officer, who (from my understanding) wasn't the person who fucked up in the first place.

[Amnorix]

I thought everybody on here thought that tort lawyers were evil and responsible for all the woes of the healthcare industry. Now one guy can't sue and everyone is upset.

Which is it?

[FAX]

In a military enviroment, the decision would probably be made by the ranking officer, who (from my understanding) wasn't the person who ****ed up in the first place.

What a mess. Seriously.

So, you're saying that the surgeon makes the error then just walks away because his job is done? No follow up? Nothing done to ensure that the patient receives whatever next stage of care is necessary while the kid bleeds out because the ranking officer was at lunch or something? I don't get it.

So, who would be the ranking officer in that environment?

FAX

[bishop_74]

I thought everybody on here thought that tort lawyers were evil and responsible for all the woes of the healthcare industry. Now one guy can't sue and everyone is upset.

Which is it?

If lawyers only took cases like this then they might be seen in a different light. Unfortunately they take advantage of the system and exploit not only legal loopholes, but the clients they are suppossed to be protecting

[CoMoChief]

It's sickening, Mr. CoMoChief. Those bastards ought to pony up without being forced into it. That's number one. I don't know what number two is, but I hope it has something to do with getting dunked upside down in hot, boiling cat semen.

This comes as close to unforgivable as anything I've ever heard of. This is a case where the cost of negligence is too high. Far too high.

FAX


One would have to think after this comment.......does cat semen boil????
:hmmm:

[The Franchise]

The fucked up thing is.....I live less than 10 miles away from the hospital....and my wife works there.

[FAX]

I thought everybody on here thought that tort lawyers were evil and responsible for all the woes of the healthcare industry. Now one guy can't sue and everyone is upset.

Which is it?

I don't know who, exactly, you're referring to, Mr. Amnorix.

For my part, I've always believed that the legal system provides an effective method of ensuring qualitative standards in a variety of areas. It's the "nuisance" suits that we can live without, in my view. You know ... suing the pet store and the credit card company because the parrot you purchased bit off your nose and pooped in the cavity.

FAX

[Chiefnj2]

I just checked with a friend who has successfully sued for medical malpractice in a simular situation under the same conditions. He can sue. The edict was changed in the mid 90's.

link?

[Frazod]

What a mess. Seriously.

So, you're saying that the surgeon makes the error then just walks away because his job is done? No follow up? Nothing done to ensure that the patient receives whatever next stage of care is necessary while the kid bleeds out because the ranking officer was at lunch or something? I don't get it.

So, who would be the ranking officer in that environment?

FAX

I'm saying the surgeon could have begged and pleaded with the person in charge, but if the person in charge doesn't give a shit, that's it. And I'm certainly not defending it.

Not every doctor in the military is Dustin Hoffman from Outbreak.

[FAX]

I'm saying the surgeon could have begged and pleaded with the person in charge, but if the person in charge doesn't give a shit, that's it. And I'm certainly not defending it.

Not every doctor in the military is Dustin Hoffman from Outbreak.

Oh, I wasn't suggesting that you were defending it, in any way, shape, or form, Mr. frazod. I just don't understand how the surgeon could allow this to occur - knowing full well what had happened and all. It just doesn't make any sense.

It's not worth talking about unless or until more facts are known, anyway. Based on this article, however, it seems as though all these bastards need to be taken out and beaten like rugs.

FAX

[BigMeatballDave]

All the money in the world won't bring his legs back. Also you couldn't pay me enough money to chop my legs off. The most concerning issue to me isn't the fact he cannot sue but its the issue of allowing a resident to perform a surgery like this and allowing him to make the mistake.True, but $10,000,000 might make him feel a bit better about being legless.

[Ebolapox]

True, but $10,000,000 might make him feel a bit better about being legless.

careful. when hyperinflation hits this fall, he'll be the proud owner of (real value) tree fiddy.

[Mr_Tomahawk]

This guy's cousin is in another forum I frequent. He wrote about it and it's a pretty serious deal. I guess Colton has not been woken and is not aware of the situation yet.

[MoreLemonPledge]

This guy's cousin is in another forum I frequent. He wrote about it and it's a pretty serious deal. I guess Colton has not been woken and is not aware of the situation yet.

Wow. I would hate to be there when he woke up.

[FAX]

This guy's cousin is in another forum I frequent. He wrote about it and it's a pretty serious deal. I guess Colton has not been woken and is not aware of the situation yet.

Aw, sh*t.

This is just awful. Good God Almighty. Man, I feel badly for this guy. Jesus.

FAX

[SenselessChiefsFan]

The fact that you can't sue the military has nothing to do with universal health care. It's nice to see that everyone has their thinking caps on.

Besides, isn't it the righties that are always railing against lawsuits? Liberals believe that legal protections and the right to seek legal redress are cornerstones of individual and universal liberty. While it is the right that has made it a mission to suppress those avenues of individual empowerment.

Also, isn't it the right that takes the tack that the military establishment can do no wrong? I'd be careful about criticizing anything to do with the military. Someone might twist that to mean that you don't support the troops.

The reality here is that the healthcare for active duty and the VA is substandard. There are thousands of veterans being tested for HIV due to improperly sterilized equipment. I believe the quality of care is more to the point than the fact that you can't sue the doctor in this case.

There is a reason that people come to the US to have medical proceedures done. They come from places with socialized medicine. They know that we have the best healthcare system and would rather receive quality care over free care. (Even though they pay for it through taxation)

Lets look at what the government has done. Social Security? Ooh, now there is a great program. A giant sized ponzi scheme. You can pay 100's of thousands of dollars into this and when you and your spouse die, the government gets to keep that money. No passing it on to your children or grand children. No donating to your favorite charity. The money is just gone. That isn't even to mention the fact that it is going bankrupt.

Medicare? Now, there is another stellar program that is underfunded. We could actually use Medicare to cover the poor uninsured. There is no reason to go to socialized healthcare. We could just cover those at the poverty level who can't afford coverage. Millions of people CAN afford coverage but they would prefer to have new cars, new boats, new motorcycles, big TV's, and eat out. The reality is that the actual number of people who can't afford it is much less than those who choose not to carry it.

As far as lawsuits. Tough call here. Seriously, in a situation like this, I believe this person should be able to sue for recourse. But, this man lost both legs. Even then, I don't think he should get 'millions and millions' of dollars. Clearly, he is disabled. I would think he should receive the amount of money he was likely to earn in his lifetime had he not been injured, assuming promotions and raises typical for his line of work.

Then add a percentage for pain and suffering. Perhaps 10% or so.

As someone said earlier.... mistakes happen on every job. And, no matter how much money this guy would get, it won't replace his legs.

[penchief]

I'm glad to see that you know all about legislation that hasn't even happened yet, and what all the ramifications of it will be. You must be really, really smart.

My post has more to do with the fallacy of trying to equate one's inability to sue the military to universal health care. And how some people can talk out of both sides of their mouth when pushing an agenda.

[SenselessChiefsFan]

I don't know who, exactly, you're referring to, Mr. Amnorix.

For my part, I've always believed that the legal system provides an effective method of ensuring qualitative standards in a variety of areas. It's the "nuisance" suits that we can live without, in my view. You know ... suing the pet store and the credit card company because the parrot you purchased bit off your nose and pooped in the cavity.

FAX

My mom is currently suing a doctor. First, let me say that my mother is pretty much worthless. She has never held down a job for any length of time. She is lazy and irresponsible. She dropped a headboard on her foot and got a workmans comp settlement.

So, bascially, she lives in Oklahoma and is broke. She had an infection in her intestine and had a blockage. The doctor was trying to keep from doing surgery because my mother is older, she eats like crap and she smokes. Not exactly the best surgery candidate. Not to mention, that it is a lot more expensive to have surgery than prescribe antibiotics, and my mother wasn't paying, the state was..... So, the doctor prescribed antibiotics.

My mom didn't get better, had to have the surgery and then had to wait for months to have another surgery.

She is suing the doctor. First, the doctor had a good reason to try to avoid surgery. Second, in my opinion, if you are receiving free health care on the backs of the taxpayers who keep a job.... if you live great, if you die, less strain on the taxpayers.

And that is my own mother I am talking about.

Finally, the reality is that she recovered fine. She has no permanent injuries. She has no permanent dissabilities. She just had to endure two surgeries that she didn't have to pay for.

She didn't miss any work because she doesn't have a job.

Oh, and she owns a piece of property in Oklahoma that could have paid for her surgeries and she was scheduled to sell it, but put it off so she could use the system to get free medical care.

Frankly, growing up with with my mother and my crack whore sister have made me realize that most of the people who are poor choose to be.

Much like the choice that many make not to have health insurance.

But, luckily, the government is there to tax the people who choose to do the right things in life to enable those who don't.

YAY government.

[Mojo Jojo]

And to think that last night BHO was talking about how Government Health Care Works.

[The Franchise]

This guy's cousin is in another forum I frequent. He wrote about it and it's a pretty serious deal. I guess Colton has not been woken and is not aware of the situation yet.

Wait a minute.....something is fishy here. They talked to the guy's wife on the news and she said that he woke up afterwards and wrote down on a piece of paper "Airforce???". They were making a big deal out of it because his first question after this entire thing was whether or not he still had a career.

[bishop_74]

LINK (http://www.coltonread.com/index.html)

Airman loses limbs as a result of routine gallbladder surgery

Airman Colton Read
Sacramento, Calif., July 17, 2009 — A mistake during a routine surgery drastically changed the life of 20-year-old Airman Colton James Read, resulting in the loss of his legs.
An Air Force doctor nicked Read’s aortic artery during a routine gallbladder operation, shutting off blood flow to his legs.
Now, the Air Force wants to medically discharge Read, leaving the newlywed with only $1,600 a month and no additional compensation for the damage inflicted.
The surgery was conducted Thursday, July 9, in the David Grant Medical Center, on Travis Air Force Base, in Fairfield, Calif., while Read was on active duty. The doctor who performed the procedure referred to the mistake as a “human error.”
By Friday evening, doctors had amputated the Airman’s right leg to the thigh and left leg to the knee.
“I had a gut feeling that something bad was going to happen,” said Jessica Read, Colton Read’s wife. “When they told me what happened, I felt like it was a dream.”
As of Tuesday, July 14, Colton Read is still in critical condition. While the Airman’s kidneys and lungs were also afflicted, the gallbladder remains intact.
Although Airman Colton Read may be a victim of medical malpractice, a federal law prohibits the newlywed from suing the military hospital or its doctors.
Jessica Read added that the staff at the medical center did not even know that her husband is in the Air Force.
“They called him, ‘Mr. Read,’” she said. “He’s not Mr. Read; he is Airman Read.”
Colton Read is a 2007 graduate of Sam Houston High School, in Arlington, Texas. In July 2007, Colton Read enlisted in the United States Air Force, something he had dreamed of as a little boy. As an Airman, Colton Read does image analysis of photos, a skill that requires the use of his eyes, not his legs.
Jessica Read said she is appalled that the Air Force is even considering medical retirement or medical discharge while Airman Read is incapable of making any type of decision. She said he is not 100 percent lucid and is still heavily medicated.
“He’ll look down and say, ‘They’re gone. My legs are gone,’” she said. “But how much of it he understands, I’m not sure.”
Jessica Read added that the staff at the medical center made it clear that her husband may not make it. When she shared the tragic news, the entire family flew to Sacramento to be with Colton and Jessica Read.
Colton Read’s family lives in the Dallas area – 1,600 miles away from Sacramento.
The family hopes that the Air Force will transport Colton Read to the Brooke Army Medical Center, Center for the Intrepid, in San Antonio, as soon as he is stable. An extended stay in Sacramento would be a tremendous financial burden for the family.

[Red Dawg]

Any family member he has can sue the gov and should. i'd be screaming to the papers.

[The Franchise]

Any family member he has can sue the gov and should. i'd be screaming to the papers.

1. I guarantee you that the family is going to sue. They're just waiting to see exactly what happens to the kid.

2. It's already all over the fucking papers. They didn't have to do anything.

[The Franchise]

UPDATE:

http://www.thereporter.com/news/ci_12905594

Airman 1st Class Colton Read stood before his superiors three weeks ago at Beale Air Force Base, briefing them on the job he and others did studying images taken by spy planes.

One of those in the crowd, Maj. Gen. Bradley Heithold, stood before Read again on Thursday, but this time the meeting took place in a hospital.

Read, a 20-year-old Texas native, recently had his legs amputated, but it didn't happen during combat. He wasn't shot, nor was he injured by an explosion. He was a victim of an apparent medical error during a surgical procedure to remove his gallbladder at David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base.

"It was one of those heart-to-hearts. I found myself running out of words," Heithold said. "I told him I loved him. It seems weird to do that sometimes, but not to him."

Heithold came from San Antonio to visit Read, who is recovering at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center in Sacramento. He is Read's first General Officer in the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency.

After the visit, Heithold spoke at a press conference at Travis. He recalled his afternoon with the airman but could offer few details about Read's condition or any of the four investigations currently under way on what went wrong during the surgery.

"We are in the first stage of this. We've got to put him on the path to recovery," he said.

What's known is Read was stationed at Beale Air Force Base -- east of Marysville -- and was supposed to get his gallbladder removed laparoscopically at the Travis hospital, said his wife, Jessica Read.

Instead, a device being threaded into his belly nicked or punctured the aorta, a large artery that carries blood from the heart throughout the body, she said.

Surgeons opened his abdomen and were able to repair the breach well enough to save his life, but in the process or afterward, something apparently disrupted the blood supply to his legs. By the time he was taken to the medical center for emergency care, it was too late. His legs had to be amputated.

The case has prompted national media attention.

Heithold said that, during his visit Thursday, Read shook his hand, saluted, attempted to sit at attention in his bed, but could only muster the phrase "Air Power," in response to the general's words.
Read was also "coined," which is a tradition of a commander passing a decorated, heavy coin to an airman for a job well done.

"One regret I have is, I didn't coin him (three weeks ago)," Heithold said. "(His will) is what the doctors will tell you will get him through this."

Read's situation has attracted family members from all over. They are being hosted by family liaisons and a Recovery Care Commander. Heithold said he expected to walk into an angry group, but the family only told him what a good job those helping them have done.

"I didn't sense any anger today," he said. "They want answers."

Heithold said he has never seen a double-amputee remain in the service and said he would do everything in his power to extend Read's military career, which started at age 17.

As he fights for Read, he will be holding the piece of paper the airman wrote on when he first awakened. It read, "AF??," as Read wanted to know if he would remain in the service or be given a medical discharge.

"I told them, 'I will be the loudest voice inside the U.S. Air Force if you need it,'" he said. "We're not going to bicker about nickels and dimes. But I don't know which way it will go."

[Earthling]

Its been a very long time (almost 40 years) since I had US Naval surgeons whack on my own body but i do remember having to sign consent forms, which were required before they would operate. These forms stated specifically that if there were any problems the Navy would not be held accountable and they could tape the operation to be used for training films..at their discretion.

What happened with 1st Class Airman Colton is a true tradgedy, but don't think that these kind of accidents only happen with Goverment Doctors in the military.

[googlegoogle]

sew his old legs back on!