Woman sues KC doctors, hospital after her husband became disabled, then died
A woman is suing North Kansas City Hospital and two doctors, alleging that a lack of proper and prompt care led to her husband’s permanent disability and eventual death, according to court documents.
Juliana McCollum, a resident of Parkville, Missouri, filed the wrongful death suit Monday on behalf of her deceased husband Gary McCollum, who died in December 2024. He was treated at North Kansas City Hospital for a spinal hematoma, according to court documents.
What happened at the hospital?
On Dec. 19, 2023, Gary McCollum went to the hospital for head, neck and back pain after his legs gave out and he fell, according to the suit. The lawsuit also states he told doctors he had difficulty moving his feet and felt weakness in his legs. Doctors failed to order an MRI despite Gary McCollum reporting numerous symptoms of a spinal hematoma, according to the lawsuit. The emergency doctor named in the lawsuit is Douglas S. Ham.
Twenty-four hours after Gary McCollum’s initial evaluation, on Dec. 20, an MRI was completed and revealed that he needed neurosurgery to prevent further damage, according to court documents. Gary McCollum was evaluated by neurosurgeon Rohit Kesarwani that same day, who documented that he believed Gary McCollum had a thoracic epidural hematoma, according to the suit.
A thoracic epidural hematoma occurs when blood accumulates in the space between the spine and its protective layer, according to the National Institutes of Health. It compresses the spinal cord and leads to neurological deficits and nerve damage, according to an article in Nature. It should be treated promptly to minimize the damage, according to the article in Nature.
Gary McCollum did not receive surgery until the night of Dec. 21, according to the lawsuit. After the surgery, Gary McCollum could not move his extremities and suffered permanent pain, limitation and disability, according to the suit. He eventually died a year later after lots of rehab and home health care, according to his obituary.
Suing for medical malpractice and negligence
Juliana McCollum is suing based on medical malpractice and negligence. The lawsuit states emergency room staff failed to complete the proper tests and treatments for Gary McConnell, which led to personal injury and eventual death. It also states surgical staff failed to perform timely surgery and recognize the urgency in Gary McConnell’s case. The delay in Gary McConnell’s diagnosis is also cited.
Juliana McCollum is seeking damages for both the alleged personal injury to Gary McConnell and the injuries she incurred from Gary McConnell’s alleged wrongful death.
A spokesperson for the North Kansas City Hospital said they are unable to speak on pending litigation.
