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Trisha Stevens, a mother of six, has initiated a lawsuit after suffering from sepsis post-hysterectomy.
According to her suit, Stevens experienced multiple amputations and paralysis due to alleged negligence from her medical team regarding timely care.
Stevens is pursuing $68.5 million in damages from her healthcare providers.
An Oregon woman has become paralyzed from the lower back down and underwent several amputations following what she claims was a failure of her medical team to address a serious infection in a timely manner, as detailed in her lawsuit.
The 48-year-old from Portland, Trisha Stevens, had a hysterectomy on October 4, 2024, at Adventist Health Portland, prompted by issues with abnormal uterine bleeding and diagnosed adenomyosis.
Stevens states that just four days after her surgery, test results indicated inflammation. However, her doctor—mentioned in the lawsuit—allegedly did not review these results or take any action, such as informing Stevens or implementing follow-up care.
Two weeks later, on October 19, while attending her son’s football game, she felt a sudden tearing sensation in her abdomen and began to bleed vaginally, according to the suit. Three days later, she reached out to the office of the surgeon, reporting severe symptoms including bright red bleeding and fever. The nurse advised her merely to rest and hydrate, without directing her to seek emergency care. Unfortunately, her health condition deteriorated.
When she eventually visited the emergency department at Legacy Mount Hood on October 22, Stevens had an elevated heart rate, low blood pressure, and was experiencing severe bleeding. There, she was diagnosed with multiple life-threatening conditions, including peritonitis and septic shock, but antibiotics were not administered until the following day. By that point, her infection had advanced significantly, leading to recommended amputations.
On November 6, just two months after her initial surgery, both of Stevens’ legs were amputated above the knee. Subsequently, she had her right hand amputated at the wrist, along with parts of her tongue and lips. The lawsuit claims that inadequate blood flow to her spinal cord caused her paralysis. She also suffered from acute kidney injury, a fungal infection, and rhabdomyolysis.
A representative for Legacy Health expressed condolences regarding Stevens’ situation but indicated that they could not comment on specifics due to ongoing litigation.
Stevens is asking for $68.5 million in damages.
Stevens shared her ordeal with People, saying, “This infection did not just make me sick; it attacked my body so violently that I went into septic shock and multi-organ failure.” She described living with chronic pain, caring for wounds, and coping with various health challenges that require constant attention. Stevens also expressed feelings of loss and grief over her changed body and the independence she once had.
“Every day, I grieve the person I was, the body I once lived in, and the independence my family and I had before this happened,” she added, highlighting the emotional toll of her experience.
