Linda Gilbert, a 78‑year‑old resident of Nashville, Tennessee, has filed a $150 million lawsuit against Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital. Gilbert alleges that during a knee replacement surgery on Aug. 14, hospital staff mistakenly injected potassium phosphate into her spinal canal instead of the intended anesthetic, mepivacaine.
Alleged error and injuries
The complaint, filed on Nov. 6 and provided to Fox News Digital, says the wrong drug caused a severe spinal cord injury, resulting in incomplete paraplegia, profound weakness in both legs, and the loss of ability to walk, drive, or live independently. Gilbert also reportedly suffered shock and respiratory failure that required a ventilator.
According to the hospital’s Aug. 21 statement, four patients received the potassium phosphate injection on the same day. The complaint claims staff continued using syringes from the same batch after two earlier patients reported burning pain, suggesting failures in medication preparation, verification, and timely treatment.
Hospital response
Ascension Saint Thomas acknowledged the complaint in a Sept. 11 statement, expressing sympathy for the four patients and families affected. The hospital said it was cooperating with the legal process but could not share further details while the case is ongoing.
In a Sept. 16 update, the hospital announced it had engaged an independent quality consultant to review and verify corrective actions and process enhancements. Ascension Saint Thomas emphasized its commitment to learning from the incident and upholding standards of patient safety, quality, and compassionate care.
Medical context
Potassium phosphate is typically used to treat low phosphorus levels and is administered intravenously after dilution. Its prescribing information warns that excessive doses or rapid IV administration can cause dangerous heart rhythms, cardiac arrest, seizures, and death. Those warnings apply to IV use, not injection into the spinal canal, which is the alleged route in Gilbert’s lawsuit.
The American College of Rheumatology reports that roughly 790,000 total knee replacements are performed annually in the United States. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility, with only about 2 % reporting serious complications.
Legal claims and damages sought
Gilbert’s lawsuit seeks $50 million in compensatory damages and $100 million in punitive damages, asserting that the injuries are permanent. The filing states she was receiving inpatient rehabilitation at a spinal cord injury center in Atlanta at the time the complaint was submitted.
Medication safety experts stress the importance of clear labeling, proper concentration checks, and double‑checking drug names before administration to prevent such errors.
Calls for comment
Fox News Digital reached out to Ascension Saint Thomas, Gilbert’s attorney, the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission, and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices for comment. No additional statements were received at the time of publication.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
