Who was sued for inserting screwdriver into patient's back?

Asked by: Manuela Mann IV  |  Last update: July 6, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (41 votes)

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Ricketson was sued for inserting the shaft of a stainless-steel screwdriver into a patient's back during a 2001 spinal fusion procedure.

What is the lawsuit against the Bonati Spine Institute?

A Florida back surgeon has filed a $500 million lawsuit against the State of Florida, alleging his clinic was wrongfully shut down. In the lawsuit, Dr. Alfred Bonati, owner of the Bonati Spine Institute, claimed the state's shutdown was based on allegedly false accusations.

Did a Hawaiian jury find a doctor liable for inserting screwdriver in patient's spine?

A Hawaii jury has awarded damages of nearly $5.6 million in a lawsuit against a surgeon who placed a piece of a screwdriver in the patient's back.

What percentage of orthopedic surgeons get sued?

Eighty-two percent of orthopedic surgeons have been named as a sole or co-defendant in a malpractice lawsuit at some point in their careers, according to Medscape's 2023 “Physicians and Malpractice Report,” published Oct.

Is it common for neurosurgeons to get sued?

Annually, 20% of all practicing neurosurgeons in the United States are faced with medical malpractice litigation.

You LOVE Your Doctor! Can You to Go BACK to Him After You're Done Suing Him? NY Attorney Explains

35 related questions found

Which type of doctor gets sued the most?

Ultimately, as shown by the data, it's no surprise that surgeons are the most often sued professionals in the medical field with 90% of surgeon participants having been involved in a legal dispute regarding medical malpractice.

What are the top 3 riskiest surgeries?

Which Surgical Procedures Are the Most Dangerous?

  • Brain surgery. One of the most dangerous procedures is any type of surgery on the brain or skull. ...
  • Heart surgery. ...
  • Cancer surgery. ...
  • Transplants. ...
  • Spinal cord surgery. ...
  • What if my doctor made a mistake during my surgery?

What is the hardest orthopedic surgery to recover from?

Spinal fusion is widely considered the hardest orthopedic surgery to recover from. While a knee replacement is often thought of as a short-term sprint, spinal fusion is a grueling "marathon". Because it involves re-engineering the spine by fusing bones together, full bone healing and rehabilitation can take six months to a full year.

Which doctor is least likely to be sued?

Who Is Least Likely To Be Sued? Family general practice, pediatrics, and psychiatry are the specialties that are least likely to be sued for medical malpractice. Psychiatrists have the lowest risk, with only 2.6% facing claims. Why Are Certain Specialties Being Sued More Than Others?

What are red flags for doctors?

Key red flags for doctors include poor communication (rushed visits, dismissed concerns), unprofessionalism, and lack of collaboration. Other warning signs are frequent misdiagnoses, failure to explain treatment options, and not reviewing your medical history, which can necessitate seeking a new primary care provider.

Can you sue an anesthesiologist for a bad epidural?

Yes, you can sue an anesthesiologist for a "bad" or botched epidural if the injury resulted from medical malpractice rather than a known, managed risk. To succeed, you must prove the anesthesiologist breached the standard of care—meaning they acted negligently, resulting in serious, lasting harm such as permanent nerve damage, infection, or paralysis.

Who is the highest rated neurosurgeon?

10 Best Neurosurgeons in the World

  • Dr. Gerardo Conesa Bertran. ...
  • Dr. Pietro Mortini. 32 Years of Experience. ...
  • Dr. Akin Akakin. 19 Years of Experience. ...
  • Dr. Bartolomé Oliver. 45 Years of Experience. ...
  • Dr. Philip E. Stieg. ...
  • Dr. Jurgen Kiwit. 43 Years of Experience. ...
  • Dr. Ellen Mahar Mowry. MBBS, MD Neurology. ...
  • Dr. B. Roy Chaudhary.

What are the 7 C's of malpractice?

  • 7 C's of Malpractice Prevention. •Competence. ...
  • Competence. Knowing and adhering to professional standards and maintaining professional competence reduce liability exposure.
  • Compliance. ...
  • Charting. ...
  • Communication. ...
  • Confidentiality. ...
  • Courtesy. ...
  • Carefulness.

Who is considered the best spine surgeon in the United States?

Top spine surgeons in the US, according to 2024-2025 rankings, include Dr. Hyun Bae (Cedars-Sinai), Dr. Juan Uribe (Barrow Neurological Institute), and Dr. K. Daniel Riew (Weill Cornell), recognized for expertise in minimally invasive techniques, complex reconstruction, and cervical spine care. These experts are selected based on patient outcomes, peer surveys, and certifications.

Why do orthopedic surgeons get sued?

Orthopedic malpractice occurs when a doctor or other provider specializing in bones, joints, or muscles deviates from the accepted standard of care, and the patient suffers significant injury or loss as a result.

Which implants are being recalled?

Major implant recalls, particularly in breast and orthopaedic devices, often center on safety risks like BIA-ALCL cancer (Allergan) or premature failures (Exactech). Key recalls include Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implants (2019) and various orthopaedic components. Patients should check with surgeons or use the FDA Medical Device Recalls database for specific, actionable information.

What medical field gets sued the most?

General surgeons and Obstetricians/Gynecologists (OB/GYNs) are the most sued medical professions. Over ∼60% to 85% of professionals in these fields will face at least one medical malpractice claim in their careers due to the high-risk, life-or-death nature of their work.

Are most surgeons Republican or Democrat?

Despite these shifts, surgeons and other high-earning specialties not only maintain their alignment with the Republican party but also have become increasingly more partisan. For example, in 1992, surgeons contributed almost 33% more to Republicans than pediatricians, which increased to 48% in 2012.

What is the most underpaid medical specialty?

Medical Specialities with Lowest Reported Salaries

  • Pediatric Endocrinology: $218,000.
  • Pediatric Infectious Disease: $221,000.
  • Pediatrics: $243,000.
  • Family Medicine: $255,000.
  • Geriatrics: $275,000.
  • Preventive Medicine: $275,000.
  • Endocrinology: $276,000.
  • Infectious Disease: $288,000.

What is the #1 worst pain in the world?

Trigeminal neuralgia

It is one of the most painful conditions known. It causes extreme, sporadic and sudden burning pain or electric shock sensation in the face, including the eyes, lips, scalp, nose, upper jaw, forehead, and lower jaw.

What surgery is called the mother of all surgeries?

The nickname "Mother of All Surgeries" (MOAS) refers to Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC).

What can you never do again after spinal fusion surgery?

After a spinal fusion, you will permanently lose flexibility in the fused area. As a result, you must permanently avoid extreme spinal movements, high-impact contact sports, and heavy, repetitive powerlifting. For daily tasks, you must learn to squat and bend at the knees rather than rounding your lower back.

What surgery has the highest failure rate?

Spinal fusion surgery is often cited as having the highest failure rate, frequently leading to "[Failed Back Surgery Syndrome" (FBSS), with dissatisfaction or complication rates ranging from 10% to 40%. Other high-failure procedures include rhinoplasty (up to 20% revision rate), cerebrospinal fluid shunt surgery, and specific emergency surgeries like partial colectomy.

What procedure takes 10 years off your face?

You might also benefit from a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) to correct sagging, tired-looking eyes. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that eyelid lifts are the fifth most popular cosmetic surgery. Together, these procedures can take a decade off of your appearance.

What surgery has a 300% mortality rate?

A leg amputation performed by 19th-century British surgeon Robert Liston is famously known as the only surgery in history with a 300% mortality rate. During the fast-paced procedure, Liston reportedly killed the patient, his assistant, and a spectator, resulting in three deaths from one operation.