The story of Jonathan Buckelew began in 2015, when this person was instantly transformed by an experience due to which he was scheduled to visit a chiropractor. He had entered the clinic to receive a normal neck manipulation but a few moments later something went drastically wrong. Jonathan was dizzied, and passed out. He was taken to a Georgia hospital in an alarming condition.
At that place, medical personal was unable to understand what was occurring in reality: a brain stem severe case of stroke. The important window of opportunity to treat the stroke was lost as the doctors mistook the vital scans and neglected the protocols on the stroke. This led to Jonathan having locked-in syndrome, a rare disease that is practically fatal and which incapacitated him, despite being completely conscious and aware of everything, he cannot move or talk anymore communication is now only possible through eye movements.
It would have been possible to prevent the tragedy. Having a stroke, stated his attorney, Lloyd Bell, Jonathan was ignored. His word reflects the preventability of its occurred event, which would be repeated in the court. A jury who tried two doctors had reached a shocking conclusion that they were grossly negligent in failing to recognize and to take action based on the symptoms of a stroke.
The jury found Jonathan to be owed 75 million in damages, which was supposed to include high costs of the lengthy medical procedures, medical equipment, rehabilitation and constant 24 hours attention until his death.
To Jonathan parents, Jack and Sharon Buckelew, loss cannot be measured, and no amount of money can reverse the situation. Their young energetic son now is caught living in a body that does not respond to him anymore. They have turned their house into an almost mini intensive care unit.
With feeding tubes and suction, special beds and communication devices, all part of Jonathan unhealthy state, every detail seems to be carefully placed to represent his condition. It hurts our heart to see him so, said Jack. There is no gauge to the emotional pain they have endured, but they have determined to ensure that Jonathan is as comfortable and mentally stimulated as they can spare the time to do.
Life is filled with the daily reality of the life of care and of loss. They read to him, speak to him and decipher his eye twitches, and they take a little moment of connection when otherwise he is trapped in a lonely world. Although the given case with a $75 million award is an exceptional and remarkable legal case, it also creates a reminder of what medical error could lead to. At the same time, despite that judgment, the legal process is not finished yet; the family still goes through the process of appeal against the verdict, which continues their emotional and legal struggles.
The case of Jonathan is a very strong cautionary story as to the significance of proper diagnosis and in time and the human consequence of failing to do so on the part of healthcare providers. It is also a proof of undying family love against unthinkable miseries.