A Puyallup man has filed a legal claim against the University of Washington Medical Center, along with several doctors and healthcare professionals, after a routine surgery resulted in him becoming paralyzed. The man, Dr. Ron Ko, a local dentist, claims that he was never informed of the risks associated with the procedure, including the potential for paralysis.
According to the spokesperson for the law firm representing Dr. Ko, the claim alleges that the surgeon assured Ko that the surgery would be “low-risk,” and that he would be fine. However, Ko’s lawyer, Nicholas Rowley, emphasized that the risk of paralysis was never discussed prior to the surgery, despite it being a known possibility.
“The surgeon said, ‘You were going to be fine,’ but never mentioned the risk of paralysis. This should not have happened. He was paralyzed due to medical negligence,” Rowley stated.
The claim also asserts that Ko was misled about who would perform the surgery. He was told that two fellowship-trained surgeons would handle the procedure, with residents only observing from behind a glass. However, two residents-in-training were allegedly involved in the surgery.
Further complicating the case, Ko’s attorney noted that the surgical team failed to act when neural monitoring signals were lost about 70% of the way through the procedure. Despite this warning sign, the surgery continued. As a result, Ko is now paralyzed from the chest down.
The impact on Ko’s life has been profound, as he has lost his ability to work and support his family. The father of two expressed his heartbreak over not being able to care for his children. He told his family that he would recover, but now must confront the reality of his permanent condition.
“My kids don’t even know I’m paralyzed. I told them, ‘Daddy is going to get better, give it six months,’” Ko said.
Now facing life in a wheelchair, Ko is speaking out to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents from occurring. “No one deserves this,” he said. “This should never have happened. I should be at home with my family, working, and helping patients. I shouldn’t be in this situation.”
KIRO 7 News reached out to the University of Washington Medical Center for comment. A spokesperson stated that the hospital is unable to discuss ongoing legal matters.
