Lacerated Rectum During Prostate Resection
$1.1 Million Pennsylvania Verdict

A 60-year-old man underwent surgical resection of the prostate. During the procedure the defendant physician lacerated the rectum, creating a fistula between the bladder and rectum. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to correct the laceration and recto-vesical fistula, including creation of a colostomy, the plaintiff ultimately underwent surgical removal of his bladder, necessitating a permanent urostomy. A medQuest urologist testified at trial that a laceration of the extent in question could have occurred only if the defendant had failed to exercise reasonable care. The jury returned a verdict of $1.1 million.

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Paul A. Lauricella, Esq.
Beasley, Casey & Erbstein
Philadelphia, PA