(Credit: mihailomilovanovic)
Roomies, Sharon Jacks went to an Ohio hospital for a planned procedure last year. But what happened in the operating room allegedly changed her life, and now shes taking legal action.
According to a lawsuit filed in Washington County Court in Marietta earlier this month, Jacks, 74, of Meigs County, went to Selby General Hospital in September 2025 for a scheduled below-the-knee amputation of her right leg. However, the lawsuit alleges that doctors amputated her left leg instead. Jacks had only consented to surgery involving her right leg.
Jacks attorney, Brad Layne, says the alleged error ultimately left the army veteran a double amputee. Four months after the initial procedure, doctors at another Ohio hospital reportedly had to amputate Jacks right leg. It was the leg that had originally been scheduled for surgery.
The 32-page complaint alleges that Sharon Jacks suffered physical injury, permanent disability, pain and suffering, emotional distress, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses and other damages.”Jacks and her husband named nine defendants in the lawsuit. They include the hospital and members of her medical and surgical teams, who are accused of gross negligence, battery, and reckless conduct.
The lawsuit alleges the planned right-leg amputation was part of Jacks’ treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. According to the complaint, Jacks “never consented to amputation of her left lower extremity.”And, the surgical team had multiple opportunities to catch the alleged error before the procedure was completed.
Medical records cited in the complaint reportedly show that two surgical “time-outs” were conducted before the operation. Those pauses are intended to verify key details, including the patients identity, the procedure being performed and the correct surgical site. However, the lawsuit alleges that “despite multiple opportunities” to identify and correct the mistake, the team proceeded with the amputation of Jacks’ left leg.
Selby General Hospital acknowledged the incident in a statement to WBNS-TV. It called the situation “an avoidable event”and saying its expected procedures were not followed. The hospital also said those involved were held accountable and are no longer in their positions. Moreover, the hospital was saddened by what occurred and continued to keep Jacks and her family in its prayers. Jacks and her husband are seeking unspecified compensatory and damages. The allegations remain claims made in the lawsuit, and the case will determine the parties legal responsibility.
