A Vero Beach resident has filed a medical negligence lawsuit, alleging severe complications from sinus surgery. The complaint was filed by Spencer Pike in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on July 17, 2024, against Dr. Suresh Rajamanickam and Aspire Allergy and Sinus of Florida, PLLC.
According to the court documents, Spencer Pike began experiencing severe allergy symptoms including congestion, sinus pain, and a complete loss of taste and smell. On June 30, 2022, she sought treatment at Aspire Allergy and Sinus of Florida. A physician assistant at the clinic ordered a CT scan and informed Pike that Dr. Suresh Rajamanickam would provide an official interpretation of the results. After reviewing the scan, Dr. Rajamanickam diagnosed nasal obstruction with septal deviation and chronic sinusitis.
Pike agreed to undergo surgery based on this diagnosis. On August 1, 2022, Dr. Rajamanickam performed multiple procedures including endoscopic sinus surgeries and septoplasty. However, according to the complaint, Dr. Rajamanickam failed to apply postoperative pressure on Pike's septum after the septoplasty to prevent hematoma formation—a standard practice in such surgeries.
The lawsuit claims that this oversight led to a series of complications: a hematoma formed post-surgery which developed into a septal abscess and eventually caused a perforation in Pike's septum. This resulted in significant damage to her nasal structure, causing what is described as a "saddle nose deformity." Furthermore, it is alleged that Dr. Rajamanickam failed to identify these complications during follow-up care.
The plaintiff asserts that these errors constitute medical negligence under Florida law (Florida Statute §766). As per the court filing: "Defendant Suresh Rajamanickam did not apply postoperative pressure on the septum after the septoplasty," leading directly to Pike's injuries which include bodily harm, emotional distress, and ongoing medical expenses.
Pike is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for pain and suffering as well as compensation for medical costs incurred due to these alleged failures in care. Additionally, she demands a jury trial for all issues so triable.
Representing Spencer Pike are attorneys from Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley with Matthew K. Schwencke listed as the primary attorney on record.
The case will be presided over by Judge Joseph Abruzzo under Case Number 502024CA006713XXXAMB.