Arabic version: امرأة تقاضي منطقة الصحة بسبب بتر ساق غير ضروري

A New South Wales woman is pursuing legal action against the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNLHD), claiming that her lower left leg was amputated unnecessarily. Vesna Zvicer alleges medical negligence in her lawsuit, stating that her leg was deemed salvageable prior to the amputation.

During a two-week Supreme Court civil hearing, Ms. Zvicer’s legal team argued that the leg was amputated following a diagnosis of necrosis, despite evidence suggesting it could have been saved. The court heard that Ms. Zvicer had extreme generalised sepsis and acute compartment syndrome when surgeons assessed her condition.

HNLHD’s barrister, Richard Cheeney SC, contended that the surgical procedure was a necessary choice between life and limb, as Ms. Zvicer was critically ill and at risk of further complications. He emphasized that the medical team acted to save her life, fearing that her heel could become gangrenous.

In contrast, Ms. Zvicer’s barrister, Adam Casselden SC, criticized the decision-making process, asserting that the medical team could not have definitively determined necrosis without conducting a fasciotomy, a procedure to relieve compartment pressure. He pointed out discrepancies in clinical records, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to conclude that her leg was functionless.

The case continues to unfold in the NSW Supreme Court, with closing submissions expected to conclude soon. Ms. Zvicer is also seeking damages for the emotional impact of the amputation on her and her children, who have reportedly suffered from nervous shock, psychiatric shock, depression, and anxiety as a result of the incident. According to ABC News, the judge is anticipated to reserve his decision following the final arguments.