Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Anderson v. Concentra, No. 2016-CP-10-5091 (S.C. Ct. Com. Pl. Charleston Cnty. June 15, 2018).

Connie Anderson was injured when a large splinter became lodged in her left hand. She went to Concentra Urgent Care, where a doctor removed the splinter and ordered a tetanus shot. A medical assistant trainee administered the shot in Anderson’s right arm. Afterward, Anderson suffered severe pain in the arm. When the pain did not subside, she returned to Concentra two more times. Twice she was told that she was having a local reaction to the tetanus shot. At a subsequent visit to Concentra the following month, she was diagnosed as having a hematoma in her arm and referred for physical therapy. An MRI later revealed a complete tear of her coracobrachialis muscle and a torn bicep, among other injuries to her upper arm, which a physician explained resulted from the piercing of a blood vessel during administration of the tetanus shot. Anderson now has permanent impairment to and limited use of her right upper arm.

She sued Concentra and several affiliates, alleging negligent supervision of the medical assistant in that the defendant had allowed an unlicensed trainee to administer a vaccination outside the presence of a medical professional.

The jury awarded $62,500.

Plaintiff counsel: Christopher Dorsel, Charleston, S.C.