A shocking medical case from Florida has raised serious concerns about patient safety after a doctor was accused of making a fatal surgical error. The incident, which led to the death of a 70-year-old man, has now turned into a criminal case following a grand jury indictment.
What the Case Is About
The accused doctor, Thomas Shaknovsky, aged 44, has been charged with negligent manslaughter. The charges are linked to the death of William Bryan, a Navy veteran from Alabama.
The incident happened in August 2024 when Bryan was in Florida at his vacation property. He had gone to the hospital for treatment related to a spleen issue, which required surgery.
What Went Wrong During Surgery
According to investigators, the surgery took a tragic turn due to serious errors. The doctor reportedly removed Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen. This mistake caused massive blood loss, leading to the patient’s death on the operating table.
Officials stated that the doctor used a surgical device without proper visibility and made critical decisions that resulted in the fatal outcome. Reports also suggest that operating room staff noticed something was wrong during the procedure.
Allegations of Cover-Up
The case became even more serious due to claims that the doctor tried to hide the mistake. According to findings, the removed organ was allegedly labelled as a spleen even though it was actually the liver.
Authorities also stated that the doctor continued to insist that he had removed the spleen, even after the surgery, despite clear evidence showing otherwise. Investigators described some of his statements as misleading and untrue.
Arrest and Legal Action
After a detailed investigation, a grand jury decided to indict Shaknovsky. He was arrested and taken into custody by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
His bond has been set at $75,000. Along with the criminal case, a civil lawsuit has also been filed by the victim’s family seeking justice and compensation.
Medical License and Past Concerns
Following the incident, Shaknovsky’s medical licence was suspended in both Florida and Alabama. Authorities found that his actions showed serious negligence and posed a risk to patients.
Reports also mention earlier surgical mistakes involving the same doctor. In one case, he allegedly removed the wrong tissue from another patient, causing long-term harm. There were also complaints about previous surgeries, raising questions about why he was allowed to continue operating.
Family’s Reaction and Legal Battle
The victim’s family, represented by attorney Joe Zarzaur, has strongly criticised the doctor’s actions. They believe the mistake was not something that could happen by accident and are seeking accountability.
The family has filed a lawsuit against both the doctor and the hospital, claiming negligence and failure to protect patients despite earlier warning signs.
Ongoing Investigation and Case Status
Authorities have stated that the case will now move forward through the legal process. Officials have also expressed sympathy for the victim’s family and promised to handle the matter with full seriousness.
The lawsuit filed by the family is still ongoing, and further developments are expected as the case progresses.
