Catastrophic Medical Failure Reportedly Leads To Death of Alabama Resident

An Alabama man has reportedly died in Florida after a catastrophic medical error.

At a Glance

William Bryan, an Alabama resident, died during surgery in Florida when his liver was mistakenly removed instead of his spleen.
The surgeon, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, had a history of surgical errors, including a previous wrong-site surgery in 2023.
Beverly Bryan, the widow, is pursuing both civil and criminal proceedings to seek justice and prevent the surgeon from treating other patients.
The case has sparked a broader conversation about patient safety and the need for stricter oversight in medical practices.

Tragic Surgical Error Claims Life of Alabama Man

William Bryan, an Alabama resident and US Navy veteran, lost his life on August 21, 2024, during what should have been a routine surgery at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Walton County, Florida. The tragedy unfolded when General Surgeon Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, according to recent reports, mistakenly removed Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen, resulting in death.

Bryan had been admitted to the hospital for tests due to concerns about an abnormality of the spleen. Despite initial reluctance, he was persuaded by Dr. Shaknovsky and Dr. Christopher Bacani to undergo surgery, with the doctors warning of serious complications if he left the hospital. This decision would prove fatal.

Florida doctor removes wrong organ from patient, resulting in ‘immediate, catastrophic death’ https://t.co/YJe0CgDETV pic.twitter.com/tIqVlyVnXY

— New York Post (@nypost) September 4, 2024

A History of Surgical Errors

Alarmingly, this was reportedly not Dr. Shaknovsky’s first surgical mistake. He apparently conducted a wrong-site surgery in 2023 as well. This revelation has raised serious questions about the hospital’s vetting process and the overall safety protocols in place to prevent such catastrophic mistakes.

“My husband died while helpless on the operating room table by Dr. Shaknovsky. I don’t want anyone else to die due to his incompetence at a hospital that should have known or knew he had previously made drastic, life-altering surgical mistakes,” Bryan’s widow, Beverly, said.

The surgeon’s egregious error was compounded by his post-operative explanation to Beverly Bryan. Dr. Shaknovsky allegedly told her that her husband’s “spleen was so diseased that it was four times bigger than usual and had migrated to the other side of (his) body.” This statement was later proven false by an autopsy, which revealed that Bryan’s spleen had only a small cyst and had not been removed at all.

Seeking Justice and Preventing Future Tragedies

Beverly Bryan, herself a nurse, has retained Zarzaur Law P.A. to seek justice for her husband and to prevent Dr. Shaknovsky from treating other patients. She is pursuing both civil and criminal proceedings related to her husband’s death. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the District 1 Medical Examiner’s Office and Office of the State Attorney, is reviewing the case to determine if criminal charges are warranted.

“It’s one of the most egregious cases of medical malpractice that I’ve ever been involved with,” Joe Zarzaur stated. “The doctors kept suggesting that it was too dangerous to move him, that his spleen could rupture, and they needed to go forward with the procedure.”

In response to the incident, North Walton Doctor’s Hospital has disassociated itself from Dr. Shaknovsky and removed references to him from its website. Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital has stated that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the event, emphasizing their commitment to patient safety and privacy.

A Call for Improved Medical Safety

This tragic case has ignited a broader conversation about patient safety and oversight in medical practices. It serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from medical errors and the importance of rigorous safety protocols in healthcare settings.

“My hope is that this lawsuit will not only bring justice for my husband but also serve as a wake-up call to hospitals and surgeons everywhere,” Beverly said. “No one should have to go through what I have gone through. It’s time for changes to be made to prevent such tragic mistakes from happening again.”

As the legal proceedings unfold, the medical community and the public alike will be watching closely. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for medical practices and patient safety standards across the nation. For now, a grieving family seeks answers and justice, while a community grapples with the shocking loss of one of its own due to an unthinkable medical error.