A Pinellas County resident has taken legal action against a local orthopedic surgeon and his practice, alleging severe medical negligence. Emilie Youngblood filed a complaint on October 23, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Florida against Dr. Paul Joseph Pagano and All Florida Orthopaedic Associates, P.A., seeking damages exceeding $50,000.
The case stems from a surgical procedure that took place on May 18, 2022. Youngblood underwent a complete diskectomy and total disk arthroplasty at two levels of her spine—L4-L5 and L5-S1—performed by Dr. Pagano, an orthopedic spine specialist. According to the complaint, during the surgery at L4-5, Dr. Pagano allegedly mis-sized or improperly placed an implant and hammered it at an incorrect angle. This mistake reportedly caused significant damage to Youngblood's spine, leading to over-distraction and necessitating further revision surgery.
Youngblood's lawsuit accuses Dr. Pagano of deviating from the accepted standards of care expected from reasonably careful orthopedic spine surgeons. The alleged negligence resulted in various physical and emotional hardships for Youngblood, including bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and financial losses due to medical expenses and lost earnings capacity.
The complaint also invokes the doctrine of respondeat superior against All Florida Orthopaedic Associates (AFOA), holding them vicariously liable for Dr. Pagano's actions as he was acting within the scope of his employment with AFOA during the procedure. This legal principle suggests that employers can be held responsible for their employees' negligent acts performed in connection with their job duties.
Youngblood is seeking judgment for damages against both Dr. Pagano and AFOA. She requests compensation for her medical expenses along with prejudgment interest on those costs already incurred. Additionally, she seeks coverage for court costs and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Emilie Youngblood is attorney Michael J. Trentalange from Trentalange & Kelley P.A., based in Tampa, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number 24-004636-CI in Pinellas County's civil division court.