In a historic ruling, 32-year-old Georgia resident Jonathan Buckelew was awarded $75 million after a catastrophic stroke misdiagnosis left him permanently paralyzed and suffering from locked-in syndrome. The malpractice verdict, delivered in October 2022, marks one of the largest in Georgia’s medical history, bringing national attention to the consequences of delayed stroke recognition and medical negligence.
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What Happened
In 2015, Buckelew visited a chiropractor for neck pain, tinnitus, and visual disturbances. During a neck adjustment, he suddenly lost consciousness. Paramedics rushed him to North Fulton Hospital in Roswell, Georgia, where he could only move his right hand—an alarming neurological sign.
Emergency physician Dr. Matthew Womack ordered a CT scan and neck imaging, which showed a possible vertebral artery dissection. However, radiologist Dr. James Waldschmidt failed to identify an arterial thrombosis—a crucial indicator of an ongoing stroke. Despite consulting a neurologist, Dr. Womack allegedly neglected to mention Buckelew’s recent chiropractic manipulation and deteriorating condition, resulting in a failure to trigger the hospital’s stroke alert protocol.
This omission caused a 24-hour delay in treatment, by which time Buckelew had suffered severe brainstem damage, leaving him paralyzed but fully conscious. He now lives with locked-in syndrome, aware of his surroundings but unable to move or speak, communicating only through limited eye and nose movements.
Who Is Jonathan Buckelew?
Before the tragedy, Jonathan Buckelew led a healthy, active life. The chiropractic visit that was supposed to relieve his pain instead changed his life forever. Following the stroke, Buckelew became completely dependent on his family, who converted their home into a care facility to provide 24-hour assistance.
Despite his devastating condition, Jonathan’s mental faculties remain intact, and he communicates using assistive devices and subtle movements. His case serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of medical negligence.
The $75 Million Verdict
After a lengthy legal battle, a Georgia jury found Dr. Womack and Dr. Waldschmidt negligent, ruling that their failure to recognize and treat the stroke in time caused irreversible harm.
The $75 million award—the largest emergency malpractice verdict in Georgia’s history—underscored the need for greater accountability and medical vigilance in hospitals. The case has become a landmark precedent in medical malpractice law, emphasizing the life-altering consequences of diagnostic failures.
Public Reaction and Awareness
The Buckelew case quickly gained national attention, sparking public discussions about patient safety and hospital responsibility. Supporters rallied behind the family online using the hashtag #JusticeForJonathan, sharing his story as a call for reform in stroke diagnosis and emergency care procedures.
Many expressed outrage that such a preventable tragedy occurred, while others highlighted the resilience of Jonathan and his family, who continue to advocate for improved stroke awareness and medical accountability.
The Family’s Fight for Justice
Jonathan’s parents have become outspoken advocates for reform, speaking publicly about the devastating impact of medical errors. His father shared the emotional toll of caring for his son, describing moments when Jonathan expressed despair, saying, “Pull the plug.”
Despite the immense hardship, the family remains dedicated to Jonathan’s care and continues to raise awareness about the dangers of delayed stroke treatment and the importance of swift medical response.
Legal Aftermath and Future Implications
Following the verdict, the defense teams for Dr. Womack and Dr. Waldschmidt appealed the decision, but the appeals were unsuccessful. The verdict stands as a defining moment in Georgia malpractice law, reinforcing the critical need for hospitals to follow stroke protocols and accurately communicate patient symptoms.
The Buckelew family continues to push for systemic healthcare reforms to ensure that other patients receive timely, life-saving care.
Conclusion
The story of Jonathan Buckelew is both tragic and transformative—a stark reminder of how one missed diagnosis can change a life forever. His $75 million victory is not just a legal triumph but a symbol of accountability and hope for future patients. Through o