SCRANTON — A couple is suing the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and Dr. Keith Cordischi, government agency, alleging a failed knee replacement surgery has resulted in pain, injury and disfigurement.
Clyde and Zulmira Arbergast filed a complaint on Aug. 15, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania against the Veterans Affairs and Cordischi, alleging that the defendants breached their duty to perform a bi-lateral knee replacement surgery, resulting in a failure to meet the standard of care.
Clyde Arbegast underwent bilateral knee replacement surgery on Nov. 20, 2014, at the VA Hospital in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, which is operated by the United States through the Department of Veterans' Affairs and Dr. Keith Cordischi.
However, the plaintiffs claim the surgery caused a loss of sensation to develop in the right leg of Clyde Arbergast, which required subsequent surgeries in an attempt to heal and cure the damage.
As a result, Clyde Arbergast claims he continues to suffer excruciating pain and permanent disfigurement and deprived his wife, Zulmira Arbergast, to lose the comfort, companionship and society of her husband.
The plaintiffs hold Veterans Affairs and Cordischi responsible because the defendants allegedly failed to properly and timely evaluate, examine, and treat patient to avoid the risk of harm of patient during time between admission and during the surgery.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment in an amount in excess of $75,000, plus costs, expenses, pre and post-judgment interest, and other damages. They are represented by Michael P. Creedon of Creedon & Feliciani, PC in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Case number 1:18-cv-01610-YK