A Georgia woman who lost both legs after a catastrophic medical error has been awarded $70 million in a landmark verdict, more than a decade after her life was forever changed.
Jessica Powell, a former teacher from Albany, was just 28 years old when she was rushed to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in 2013, suffering from a hormone deficiency and stomach virus. What followed was a harrowing medical ordeal that led to both of her legs being amputated above the knees—and a lengthy legal battle that concluded last month in her favor.
Life-Saving Treatment Turns Tragic
Upon arrival at the hospital, Powell was diagnosed with septic shock. Doctors attempted to stabilize her using Vasopressin, a medication designed to increase blood pressure by tightening blood vessels. But Powell’s attorneys argued that the dose she received was dangerously excessive—more than twice the maximum safe amount over a 40-hour span.
As a result, blood flow to Powell’s lower body was drastically reduced, allegedly depriving her legs of oxygen and ultimately leading to tissue death and amputation.
Her legal team claimed that one of the physicians, Dr. Joe Morgan, neglected her care as complications arose from the overdose. Despite the efforts to reverse the damage, Powell’s limbs could not be saved.
Swift Jury Decision
On April 23, a Dougherty County jury ruled in Powell’s favor after deliberating for just 30 minutes—an unusually rapid decision for a complex medical malpractice case. The panel awarded her $70 million, making it one of the largest verdicts of its kind in Georgia history.
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“The jury’s quick decision shows just how clear this case was,” said Matt Cook, one of Powell’s attorneys. “They heard the evidence, and the conclusion was undeniable.”
Dividing the Blame
The jury apportioned fault evenly. Half the responsibility was assigned to Dr. Morgan and Albany Vascular Specialist Center, while the other half fell on Drs. James Palazzolo, Thomas Ungarino, and Albany Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates. The hospital itself was cleared of wrongdoing during the trial, although it had previously settled Powell’s claims out of court and was not included as a defendant at trial.
Each of the doctors named in the case had denied any negligence. They contended that the emergency treatment was necessary to save Powell’s life and preserve her vital organ function.
Palazzolo, for example, claimed in pre-trial filings that the aggressive use of Vasopressin was part of an essential life-saving effort. Ungarino argued that Powell’s limbs were likely already beyond recovery before she even reached the hospital.
Despite these defenses, the jury sided with Powell, emphasizing that the actions taken by her care team crossed the line from necessary intervention into medical recklessness.
Legal Team Criticizes Denial of Responsibility
Powell’s attorneys said the physicians’ refusal to accept responsibility likely played a role in the jury’s decision. “They didn’t say, ‘We made a mistake.’ Instead, they doubled down and insisted their actions were intentional and correct,” said attorney Shane Lazenby.
He also praised Powell and her family for their strength and perseverance throughout the long legal battle. “Jessica and her sisters are remarkable people,” he added. “The jury saw that and connected with them.”
Defense Pushes Back
In a statement issued after the trial, defense attorneys maintained their clients acted appropriately given the life-threatening situation. While they acknowledged the devastating outcome, they asserted that the amputations were an unavoidable result of the critical care Powell required.
“We respectfully disagree with the jury’s decision,” they said, adding that the physicians responded to a highly complex emergency with professionalism.
A Long Road to Justice
Now 40, Powell has spent the past 12 years adjusting to life as a double amputee. Her case serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of medical negligence—and the lengthy journey some patients must endure to receive justice
