PUYALLUP, Wash. — A Puyallup man is taking legal action against the University of Washington Medical Center, alleging that medical negligence during what was supposed to be a routine procedure left him permanently paralyzed.
Dr. Ron Ko, a local dentist and father of two, underwent surgery on March 21 to remove a benign spinal cord tumor. According to a claim filed on his behalf, Ko was not warned about the possibility of paralysis—a risk that was not disclosed before the operation.
Attorney Nicholas Rowley, who represents the Ko family, said the surgeon reassured Ko that the procedure would go smoothly.
“He was told everything would be fine. No one warned him of the risk of paralysis. And it’s not just that the risk wasn’t mentioned—it’s that the paralysis happened due to negligence,” Rowley said. “The official documentation confirms there was no discussion about paralysis risk.”
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Adding to the family’s concerns, the claim alleges that Ko was misled about who would be performing the operation. He reportedly consented only to two experienced, fellowship-trained surgeons conducting the procedure, with residents merely observing. However, it is now believed that two residents-in-training were directly involved in the surgery.
The legal filing further states that during the procedure, medical staff lost crucial neural monitoring signals when the surgery was approximately 70% complete. Despite the warning sign, the operation continued.
Ko is now paralyzed from the chest down and has lost his ability to work or care for his family.
“I told my kids, ‘Daddy just needs six months to get better,’” Ko said tearfully. “But the truth is—they don’t even know yet that I’m paralyzed.”
The devastating outcome has not only impacted Ko physically and emotionally, but has also put his family’s future in jeopardy. The longtime dentist says he is speaking out to raise awareness and demand accountability.
“This should never have happened,” he said. “I should be with my family right now. I should be at my clinic helping people. Instead, I’m stuck here, and I never made it home.”
KIRO 7 News reached out to the University of Washington Medical Center regarding the pending claim. A spokesperson for the hospital declined to comment, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
