In the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in and for Pinellas County, Florida, Theodora Ortiz has filed a lawsuit against Dr. Ashraf Hanna, Taylor Ripper, and Spinecare Associates LLC, doing business as Florida Spine Institute. The case number is 24-001974-CI, and it was e-filed on May 6, 2024. The lawsuit centers around allegations of medical negligence resulting in severe injuries to Mrs. Ortiz.
According to the complaint, Mrs. Ortiz had been a patient at Florida Spine since December 22, 2005. On November 1, 2021, during a Botox injection administered by Ms. Ripper instead of Dr. Hanna, Mrs. Ortiz experienced a syncopal episode and fell off a rolling stool, leading to significant injuries including a concussion diagnosed the following day at Northbay Hospital.
The plaintiff's legal representation includes J. Blaise Fischbach and Andrew F. Knopf from Paul Knopf Bigger law firm. They allege that Dr. Hanna failed to supervise properly and document the treatment while Ms. Ripper did not ensure Mrs. Ortiz's safety during the procedure. The complaint states that Mrs. Ortiz continues to suffer from permanent neurological brain injuries as a result of this incident.
Mrs. Ortiz seeks judgment against all defendants for damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of interest and costs, claiming severe bodily injury, disability, pain and suffering among other damages.