In October 2015, Jonathan Buckelew, a man in his 20s, suffered a severe brain stem stroke during a chiropractic neck treatment. He became lightheaded, confused, and unresponsive. Doctors at North Fulton Hospital failed to diagnose his stroke in time, leading to Jonathan developing locked-in syndrome—a condition where he is conscious but unable to move or speak, only able to communicate through eye movements.
Jonathan’s family sued the chiropractor, hospital, and several doctors for medical negligence. A jury found the chiropractor Dr. Matthew Womack and radiologist James Waldschmidt grossly negligent and awarded Jonathan $75 million in damages, including compensation for pain, medical bills, and future care.
Jonathan’s family now provides him with constant care at home, having adapted their house to his needs. Despite the compensation, they feel there is no true justice for the life Jonathan lost. The chiropractor has appealed the verdict to the Supreme Court of Georgia.
