Marietta, Ohio – Sharon Jacks, a 74‑year‑old Army veteran, is now a double amputee after a surgical mistake at Selby General Hospital. Jacks went in for an elective, below‑the‑knee amputation of her right leg to treat a chronic ulcer. When she awoke, she discovered that her left leg had been removed instead.

Legal action and personal impact

Jacks’ attorney, Brad Layne, filed a lawsuit on her behalf, describing the profound challenges she now faces. “You can imagine somebody that’s a double amputee now – there’s prosthetics, transportation modifications, housing modifications,” Layne said. He added that Jacks’ determination and toughness, honed during her military service, have helped her confront the new reality.

Hospital response

Selby General Hospital issued a statement acknowledging the “adverse surgical event” that occurred in September of last year. The hospital confirmed that the incident was avoidable and that standard operating‑room procedures were not followed. As a result, the staff members directly involved have been removed from their positions.

In the same statement, the hospital said its clinical and leadership teams have implemented corrective measures across the organization to prevent a recurrence. Those measures include mandatory retraining of all surgical employees to reinforce patient‑safety policies and procedures, as well as the development of additional requirements where needed.

Community reaction

Local residents expressed concern over the error, emphasizing the importance of rigorous safety protocols in medical facilities that serve the Appalachian region. Many highlighted the need for hospitals to maintain the highest standards of care, especially for vulnerable populations such as seniors and veterans.

What this means for patients

The case underscores the critical role of clear communication and verification steps before any surgical procedure. Healthcare providers across Ohio are being reminded to double‑check patient identifiers, surgical sites, and consent forms to avoid similar tragedies.

Next steps

The lawsuit seeks compensation for Jacks’ medical expenses, prosthetic devices, and the emotional distress caused by the mistake. It also aims to hold the hospital accountable for systemic failures that allowed the error to happen.

Selby General Hospital’s leadership has pledged ongoing monitoring of the new safety protocols and will report progress to the community. The hospital hopes that the corrective actions will restore confidence among patients and families who rely on its services.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.