Watertown Jury Awards Former Fort Drum Soldier $13.5 Million For Medical Misdiagnosis

The Porter Law Group is proud to announce that Managing Partner Michael Porter has secured a landmark $13.5 million jury verdict in what is believed to be the largest medical malpractice award ever awarded in Jefferson County, New York. This extraordinary result represents Michael Porter's sixth consecutive million-dollar or multi-million-dollar jury verdict, cementing his reputation as one of New York's premier trial attorneys.

A Devastating Misdiagnosis

Jeffrey Lewis, a 50-year-old former Fort Drum soldier, visited Samaritan Medical Center's emergency department on May 27, 2014, complaining of pain in his right lower extremity. What should have been a routine emergency room visit turned into a life-altering tragedy when medical professionals failed to properly diagnose his condition.

Lewis was diagnosed with tendonitis when in fact he had blockages and clots, and ultimately had his right leg amputated above the knee. The arterial occlusion, or blood clot, went unrecognized despite Lewis presenting clear symptoms. He later sought treatment at Fort Drum's Guthrie Clinic and St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, where his leg was amputated on June 30, 2014.

The Medical Failures

The case highlighted critical failures in emergency medicine. According to court documents, the defendants argued that Mr. Lewis presented at Samaritan and later at the Fort Drum clinic with a palpable pulse in his leg, negating the need to test for an arterial occlusion.

Mr. Lewis countered that, if a pulse examination was conducted, it was never documented.

"The medical providers failed to obtain a complete history and order appropriate tests that would have led to a timely diagnosis, when Jeff's leg could have been saved," said Michael Porter. The failure to recognize and properly test for arterial occlusion represents a tragic breach of the standard of care that emergency medical professionals must uphold.

Life-Altering Consequences

Lewis now uses a wheelchair and had to retire from the Army. Following a six-day trial at the Dulles State Office Building, a jury concluded Tuesday that the defendants were negligent in their diagnosis and treatment of Mr. Lewis, who is currently wheelchair-bound and was forced into medical retirement from the Army, suffers from permanent physical and emotional injuries and will require further medical care.

The impact on Lewis and his family extends far beyond the physical amputation. Like many amputation victims, Lewis has faced significant challenges including mobility limitations, psychological trauma, and the loss of his military career and livelihood.

The Verdict and Its Significance

After a six day trial in Watertown, a state supreme court jury deliberated for less than three hours before awarding Lewis $3.5 million for lost wages and future medical expenses, and another $10 million for pain and suffering. The remarkably swift deliberation time suggests the jury found the evidence of medical negligence compelling and clear-cut.

The jury found Callahan to be 80 percent at fault, and Delaney-Rowland the remaining 20 percent at fault. The case was brought against multiple defendants: Samaritan Medical Center, North Country Emergency Medical Consultants (the company contracted for emergency room staff), Dr. Sarah Delaney-Rowland, and physician's assistant Adam Callahan.

Michael Porter's Exceptional Track Record

This historic verdict represents the sixth consecutive million-dollar or multi-million-dollar jury verdict for Michael Porter, a remarkable achievement that demonstrates his exceptional skills as a trial attorney. Between 2011 and 2014, Mike secured five results in excess of $1 million for the firm's clients at consecutive trials, totaling more than $9 million in those cases alone.

Michael Porter has been recognized as a Super Lawyers designee from 2012-2025, an honor awarded to only the top 5% of attorneys, and his background includes distinguished service in the U.S. Army JAG Corps after graduating from Syracuse University College of Law.

The Broader Context of Blood Clot Misdiagnosis

This case reflects a broader pattern of dangerous medical negligence. Emergency room misdiagnosis of blood clots and arterial occlusions can have catastrophic consequences, as time is critical in preserving limb viability. When arterial blood flow is compromised, patients have only hours before irreversible tissue death occurs, making prompt and accurate diagnosis essential.

Research shows that similar cases across the nation have resulted in significant verdicts, underscoring the severity of these medical errors and their devastating impact on patients and families.

A Message of Hope and Justice

"While this jury's award will not give Jeff his leg back, it will provide some financial stability to his family, enable Jeff to better cope with this permanently debilitating injury, and ensure that he receives the quality medical care he will need for the remainder of his life," Michael Porter stated following the verdict.

"Jeff and his family have suffered terribly because of the substandard medical care that cost him his leg and the quality of life he once enjoyed. The jury's verdict will help the Lewises start the healing process – both physically and emotionally – from all they've endured."

Experience You Can Trust

This remarkable result is a testament to Michael Porter's relentless devotion to his clients' needs, his skills as a trial attorney, and the unwavering focus and attention to detail that the entire team at Porter Law Group provides to each and every client.

The firm serves clients throughout New York State with convenient offices in and around New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Watertown, Yonkers, White Plains, Binghamton, Ithaca, and Long Island.

Contact The Porter Law Group

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury due to medical malpractice or negligence, the experienced attorneys at Porter Law Group are here to help. Call 833-PORTER9 or send us a message for a free, no-obligation consultation.

News Coverage: Read more about this historic verdict at NNY360 and WWNYTV.