HILLSBORO, Ore. – A local lawsuit filed in Washington County Court alleges that Dr. Colin Mizuo, a podiatrist at Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center, injected a patient’s toe with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol rather than the standard anesthetic lidocaine.
Allegations and patient experience
According to the complaint, Judith Young visited the Kaiser clinic on January 22 for treatment of an ingrown toenail. The suit states that Dr. Mizuo administered roughly 4 cc of rubbing alcohol into the toe. Young says she immediately experienced excruciating pain, began screaming and crying, and that the physician continued the toenail removal without reassessing the cause of the pain.
The complaint further alleges that Dr. Mizuo did not disclose the use of rubbing alcohol to Ms. Young. In the weeks that followed, Young reports four emergency‑room visits as the toe blistered and changed color. Around March 2, she says the head of the podiatry department, Dr. Downey, contacted her to explain that a rubbing‑alcohol injection had occurred and promised a written explanation, which Young never received. Medical records later listed the injection as a “complication” of the toenail procedure.
Legal action and damages sought
Ms. Young’s lawsuit seeks $23 million in damages from both Dr. Mizuo and Kaiser Permanente, citing pain, suffering, medical expenses, and alleged negligence. The filing names Kaiser Permanente as a defendant, asserting that the health system bears responsibility for the care delivered at its Westside facility.
Kaiser Permanente response
Kaiser Permanente declined to comment on the specifics of the lawsuit but released a statement emphasizing patient safety. “Patient safety is our highest priority, and we take concerns about the care we provide extremely seriously,” the spokesperson said. “It is our practice to thoroughly review patient safety events and take appropriate action. We will carefully review the care this member received and take appropriate steps to address any issues identified.”
Context and next steps
The case highlights the importance of clear communication and proper medication administration in outpatient procedures. While the lawsuit is pending, the allegations underscore the need for health‑care providers to verify medication types before injection and to promptly inform patients of any adverse events.
Washington County Court has not yet scheduled a hearing, and both parties have indicated they will respond to the filing in due course. The outcome of the case could have implications for how health systems handle procedural complications and patient notifications in the region.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
