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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A trial for a federal judge to consider dozens of former patients' claims that they were the victims of botched back surgeries at a New Mexico hospital is nearing a conclusion.
The 71 former patients and their spouses contend that spine surgeries performed on the patients splintered or dislodged nerve roots, leaving the patients with endless pain. Some now suffer partial paralysis and loss of control of bodily functions, according to the patients.
The trial before Bankruptcy Judge Robert H. Jacobvitz began Sept. 1 and is expected to conclude this week, with the judge issuing a ruling later, the Albuquerque Journal (http://bit.ly/1oPBueN) reported.
The surgeon and Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in Alamogordo have settled medical malpractice suits against them, and the remaining defendant is a Tennessee-based company that managed the hospital.
Quorum Health Resources LLC denies liability. Its lawyers say the hospital's board was ultimately responsible for hospital operations.
According to testimony, Dr. Christian Schlicht was allowed to inject patients with bone cement in a spine procedure unapproved by the federal Food and Drug Administration.
The cases were transferred to Bankruptcy court after the hospital filed for bankruptcy protection in 2011.
Even though Gerald Champion has since emerged from bankruptcy protection, the case stayed in Bankruptcy Court because of other legal action involving Quorum in Tennessee.
Two insurers refused to cover losses associated with the Gerald Champion hospital lawsuits, and Quorum is involving in pending litigation over the coverage issue.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
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