A 74-year-old Army veteran has filed a lawsuit against Selby General Hospital in Marietta, Ohio, alleging surgeons amputated the wrong leg during a cancer-related procedure, leaving her a double amputee.
Sharon Jacks underwent a below-the-knee amputation of her left leg at the hospital in September 2025, despite the intended surgery being on her right leg. The error occurred during a planned procedure to treat squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Jacks later underwent the originally scheduled amputation of her right leg, resulting in her becoming a double amputee, according to her attorney Brad Layne.
The lawsuit, filed in Washington County Common Pleas Court, names the hospital, multiple physicians, and surgical staff as defendants. It accuses them of gross negligence, battery, and reckless conduct, alleging the team failed to follow basic safety protocols despite multiple opportunities to correct the mistake.
Hospital acknowledges error, cites staffing changes
In a statement, Selby General Hospital confirmed an adverse surgical event occurred in September 2025. The hospital stated the incident was an "avoidable event" and noted it retrained all surgical staff afterward. Officials confirmed that the surgeons and staff involved in Jacks’ operation are no longer in their positions.
The hospital did not provide further details on disciplinary actions or the identities of the staff involved. A spokesperson, Jennifer Offenberger, declined to comment beyond the statement.
Legal claims detail failures in safety protocols
The 32-page lawsuit alleges the surgical team conducted two "time-outs"—standard pre-operation checks to confirm patient identity, surgical site, and procedure—yet still proceeded with the wrong leg. Layne, representing Jacks, stated the surgeon had marked the correct leg before the operation, but the wrong limb was amputated. The mark remained on the correct leg after the error occurred.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as other relief under Ohio law. Jacks’ legal team argues she has suffered permanent disability, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life due to the incident.
Surgeon remains licensed despite lawsuit
The surgeon listed as a defendant, Dr. Gregory Krivchenia II, remains licensed to practice in Ohio, according to state medical records. Krivchenia did not respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit does not specify whether criminal or licensing actions are being pursued against him.
Background: Cancer diagnosis and delayed treatment
Jacks was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, the second-most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer. The amputation of her right leg was part of her cancer treatment plan. The lawsuit states she underwent the originally intended surgery four months after the error, leaving her without either leg below the knee.
Her attorney emphasized the long-term consequences of the mistake, stating Jacks must now live with the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of being a double amputee. The lawsuit argues the defendants acted with "willful, wanton, reckless" disregard for her safety.
Hospital’s response and ongoing review
Selby General Hospital described the incident as an "avoidable event" and noted it took corrective measures, including retraining staff. The hospital did not disclose whether an internal investigation was conducted or if additional safeguards were implemented beyond retraining.
No further updates from the hospital or the involved medical professionals have been made public as of the filing of the lawsuit.