Michael Romito v. Undoisclosed Chiropractors and Internist

Outcome: $2 Million

Description: Defendant chiropractors and internist failed to diagnose Michael’s cervical stenosis which developed into cervical spondylitic myelopathy and refer him for neurological evaluation and treatment. Instead, they attributed his severe neck pain to degenerative arthritis and his bilateral hand numbness to an abnormality of the ulnar nerve at the elbow called cubital tunnel syndrome. They failed to appreciate that the patient’s symptoms and complaints of bilateral paresthesias and dyesthesias indicated a central spinal problem rather than a peripheral nerve problem such as cubital tunnel syndrome. When they did finally refer him out on 9.11.00, it was to an orthopedic surgeon for elbow surgery. INJURIES: MICHAEL: Worsening of cervical spondylitic myelopathy which caused permanent loss of fine motor control, permanent loss of efficient functional capability. abnormal gait due to loss of balance, difficulty in operating a motor vehicle, lack of sensation in his lower extremities, inability to be gainfully employed, loss of ability to enjoy sexual relations with his wife, inability to participate in activities with his two sons, Michael and Dominick, difficulty in performing normal activities of daily living, and extensive surgical scarring on both sides of his neck The $2 Million recovery includes a significant portion for Michael's wife's loss of consortium claim.