Woman Sues Hospital for Allegedly Removing Healthy Leg Instead of Cancerous One

**Double Amputation Claims Expert Error at Selby General Hospital**

A woman from Ohio, Sharon Jacks, is now a double amputee after surgeons at a Georgia hospital allegedly operated on the wrong leg, according to legal action she has initiated against the medical facility. The incident occurred during a procedure intended to remove her right leg due to cancer, with her left leg incorrectly being amputated instead.

Jacks was admitted to Selby General Hospital in Marietta, Georgia for the scheduled surgery on 19 September 2025. Following the procedure, however, Jacks awoke to discover that her healthy left leg had been removed rather than the afflicted right one. This shocking case has raised questions about surgical protocols and the accountability of medical professionals.

In her lawsuit, Jacks asserts that the surgical team made a critical error, stating, “rather than amputating the diseased right lower extremity, the Defendants amputated the Plaintiff’s left lower extremity.” Legal experts define this type of surgical mistake as a “wrong-site surgery,” which is classified as a “Never Event.” This term is widely used in the healthcare industry to describe severe medical errors that should not happen—such as performing surgery on the incorrect body part.

Brad Layne, Jacks’ lawyer, expressed disbelief over the incident. He emphasised that despite the pre-surgery marking of the correct leg, the surgical team nevertheless proceeded with the wrong amputation. “The mark was still on the correct leg after the wrong leg had been taken off,” Layne stressed, pointing to a significant lapse in medical practice that has left Jacks grappling with the aftermath of the surgery.

Following the incident, Selby General Hospital issued a statement acknowledging the surgical error. They described it as an “adverse surgical event” and indicated they had taken immediate action to address the situation. The hospital’s management has stated that the individuals involved in the decision-making process during the operation are no longer with the institution.

In their official communication, hospital representatives expressed their commitment to patient care, stating, “Caring for our patients is our daily work, and ensuring patient safety is a firm commitment across our organization.” The statement also noted that there had been a thorough review of existing surgical protocols, which confirmed that the error was preventable and that the procedures followed on the day in question did not align with established standards.

Additionally, they highlighted that the hospital had cooperated fully with an inquiry by the Ohio Department of Health, which found their surgical protocols to be safe and effective. In response to the incident, corrective measures are reportedly being implemented, including mandatory retraining for all surgical personnel to reinforce adherence to safety policies.

The term “Never Event” has been analysed by industry experts, with entities such as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality defining it as a preventable occurrence that can lead to significant disability or even death. The case of Jacks underscores the critical importance of following strict medical protocols and the potential consequences of lapses in care.

The considerable fallout from such errors often extends beyond the immediate medical implications, affecting not only the patients involved but also their families. Jacks, facing now the reality of living with a double amputation, has understandably sought recourse through legal channels.

As investigations continue and further details emerge, this case serves as a grave reminder of the need for rigorous medical standards and thorough staff training within healthcare institutions. The hope is that through such scrutiny, similar incidents may be prevented in the future, ensuring patient safety remains the top priority in medical settings.

In a subsequent statement, Selby General Hospital reiterated their sadness over the event and extended their thoughts and prayers to Jacks and her family during this challenging time. The commitment from healthcare providers to learn from such events is crucial in fostering an environment of trust and safety for patients everywhere.