An Ohio woman has filed a lawsuit against Selby General Hospital and a surgeon, alleging that a scheduled below-the-knee amputation of her right leg was performed on the wrong limb in September 2025. Sharon Jacks, who was diagnosed with cancer in her right leg, woke up from surgery to find her left leg had been amputated instead. The lawsuit states that the correct leg was later amputated as well, leaving her a double amputee.
Lawsuit alleges systemic failures in surgical protocol
Jacks’ attorney, Brad Layne, claims the surgical team failed to follow basic patient safety procedures, including two pre-operative “time-outs” designed to confirm the correct limb. The complaint describes the incident as a “never event” under accepted healthcare standards, asserting that multiple professionals overlooked the error despite opportunities to intervene. Medical records cited in the lawsuit indicate the surgeon initially marked the correct leg, but the wrong limb was still operated on. The mark remained visible on the correct leg after the incorrect amputation.
Hospital responds with statement of regret
Selby General Hospital issued a statement expressing sadness over the incident and noting that the medical professionals involved are no longer in their positions. The hospital did not provide further details about the personnel changes or internal reviews. The lawsuit seeks damages for severe physical injury, permanent disability, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Background on the case
Jacks was scheduled to undergo a below-the-knee amputation of her right leg due to cancer. The lawsuit alleges that the surgical team proceeded with the wrong limb despite standard protocols requiring verification of the patient’s identity, the planned procedure, and the correct surgical site. The case has drawn attention to hospital safety protocols and the consequences of medical errors in surgical settings.