Neighbor News
Michigan Woman Wins Eight-Year Medical Malpractice Battle
Justice served for botched gallbladder operation
Alexandria “Allie” Scott, 32, a Huron County resident has won an eight-year legal battle against the surgeon whose negligence turned a routine gallbladder removal into a life-threatening ordeal. Represented byMcKeen & Associates attorney Leon Walsh, Scott and her attorney’s perseverance led to a jury ruling in her favor, awarding her $180,000 for pain and suffering and $23,482.09 for medical expenses.
“This case demonstrates that tenacity pays off,” said Brian McKeen, founder of McKeen & Associates. “Our clients deserve nothing less.”
A Surgery Gone Wrong
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In June 2017, Scott underwent laparoscopic gallbladder removal by Dr. Jason Wells at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon, Mich. Despite complications, Wells continued the procedure rather than switching to open surgery, mistakenly clipping the common hepatic duct—a critical error. Scott’s post-surgical symptoms were dismissed, delaying proper diagnosis. She eventually required emergency procedures and endured multiple complications and hospitalizations.
The Legal Fight for Accountability
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Scott’s case was initially dismissed when a judge ruled her expert witness’s opinion was unreliable. She appealed, won reinstatement in the Michigan Court of Appeals, and finally had her day in Huron County Circuit Court. Dr. Wells’ defense claimed bile duct injuries are known risks, but the jury rejected this argument, finding the injury preventable.
“This verdict is a win for all patients who trust medical professionals,” said Walsh. “Preventable errors must be accounted for.”
McKeen & Associates, P.C. is a leader in representing individuals injured by the negligence of others particularly in or by hospitals and physicians. In addition, McKeen & Associates, P.C. has successfully represented clients injured in a variety of other circumstances. Based in Detroit, McKeen & Associates represents clients in both federal and state courts brought throughout Michigan and the United States. For more information, visit www.mckeenassociates.com.