Surgery Complications Shatter Patient’s Recovery (Image Credits: Flickr)
Las Vegas — A Clark County woman claims in a recent lawsuit that negligence after back surgery left her paralyzed and an encounter with a physical therapist turned into a sexual assault at affiliated medical facilities.[1]
Surgery Complications Shatter Patient’s Recovery
Elective back surgery took a devastating turn for Lisa Fielder, 56, when hospital staff allegedly mishandled her post-operative care. Admitted to Spring Valley Hospital on February 2, 2024, for lumbar decompression and fusion, Fielder expected relief from back issues. Instead, nursing personnel failed to adhere to spinal precautions during repositioning and transfers. This negligence reportedly necessitated a second surgery and resulted in permanent paralysis, confining her mostly to bed.[1]
Her attorney, Ryan Saldanha of SOS Injury Lawyers, described the impact during a recent interview. “Lisa is paralyzed, so her life will never be the same,” he stated. Fielder spent nearly two weeks at Spring Valley Hospital before transfer to Valley Health Specialty Hospital for rehabilitation on February 14, 2024. The lawsuit, a 71-page filing in District Court last month, accuses the facilities of medical malpractice.[1]
Rehab Visit Turns into Alleged Assault
The very next day at the rehabilitation center, Fielder faced what court documents describe as an unsolicited advance. Around 4 p.m. on February 15, 2024, a physical therapist entered her room without a scheduled appointment. He knelt beside her bed, complimented her appearance, and kissed her on the lips several times despite her efforts to push him away. Fielder later told police the interaction felt inappropriate from the start.[1]
She reported the incident to the Metropolitan Police Department on February 17, 2024, where an officer documented her account. The therapist, whose name remains withheld pending potential criminal charges, had treated her earlier at Spring Valley Hospital. Fielder initially viewed his flirtatious behavior as harmless. The lawsuit separates claims of malpractice from the assault allegations against him and six named employees.[1]
Therapist’s History Sparks Oversight Concerns
Records reveal the physical therapist’s license had been revoked two decades earlier. In 2004, the Nevada State Physical Therapy Board disciplined him for a sexual relationship with a patient while employed by Gentiva Health Services. The board fined him nearly $5,000, terminated his position, and barred him from practice until he petitioned successfully in 2014 for limited home health work. His license remained active as of early February 2026.[1]
Saldanha questioned how such an individual gained access to vulnerable patients. “From our standpoint, he absolutely should not have been allowed to be in the position he was in,” the lawyer said. “Patient safety should be number one.” Fielder now seeks to prevent similar incidents, believing others may have suffered in silence.[1]
Defendants Named in Sweeping Complaint
Valley Health System, which operates both Spring Valley Hospital and Valley Health Specialty Hospital, faces the bulk of the claims. The organization falls under Universal Health Services Inc. Efforts to contact the therapist yielded no response, and a spokesperson for Universal Health Services, Gretchen Papez, declined comment due to ongoing litigation. The Nevada Physical Therapy Board similarly withheld statements on the matter.[1]
The complaint outlines a timeline of events:
- February 2, 2024: Surgery at Spring Valley Hospital.
- February 14, 2024: Transfer to Valley Health Specialty Hospital.
- February 15, 2024: Alleged assault occurs.
- February 17, 2024: Police report filed.
- January 2026: Lawsuit submitted in District Court.
Key Takeaways
- A patient’s routine surgery allegedly led to paralysis through post-op negligence and escalated to assault claims.
- The accused therapist carries a prior disciplinary record for patient misconduct.
- Fielder prioritizes prevention: “She wants to make sure something like this doesn’t happen to anyone else ever again.”[1]
This case underscores vulnerabilities in patient care protocols and licensing oversight. As litigation proceeds, it prompts scrutiny of safeguards for those in recovery. What steps should hospitals take to protect patients? Share your thoughts in the comments.
