$5M Settlement Reached over Leg Amputation

A Connecticut woman whose left leg had to be amputated after elective back surgery at New Milford Hospital in 2005 has agreed to settle her malpractice lawsuit for $5.25 million.

Documents filed in Litchfield Superior Court say 63-year-old Eileen Kelleher of Harwinton agreed to the deal late last month.

Kelleher’s lawsuit said she suffered internal bleeding, abdominal wounds and other serious complications after the surgery that led to gangrene in her lower left leg, which had to be amputated above the knee.

The lawsuit alleges Dr. Ramon Mabasa and other hospital staff failed to properly diagnose and treat the complications.

Mabasa’s lawyer and hospital officials declined to comment, citing a confidentiality clause in the settlement. Mabasa has since retired.