Shoulder surgery results in Mercer Co. lawsuit

PRINCETON - A Summers County woman is suing after her daughter's shoulder surgery was allegedly unsuccessful.

Melissa Surber, as parent and natural guardian of Kelsey Surber, a minor, filed a lawsuit May 1 against Dr. Walid Azzo, M.D. in the Circuit Court of Mercer County, citing negligence.

Surber says that on March 17, 2011, her daughter underwent surgery consisting of shoulder arthroscopy and labral tear repair at Regional Surgical Services LLC.

The surgery was performed by Azzo. According to the complaint, immediately after the surgery, Surber complained of shoulder and neck pain and had an onset of winging of the scapula.

Azzo referred Surber for physical therapy, which she claims was not successful. According to the complaint, Surber was later diagnosed with chronic long thoracic neuropathy and underwent a second surgery.

Following surgery, Surber's pain and limitations continued, according to the brief. Surber is alleging that Azzo negligently failed to properly perform the surgery on her left shoulder arthroscopy and labral tear repair resulting in serious and permanent pain.

Surber is seeking the maximum damages allowable under the Medical Professional Liability Act for her injuries. She is also seeking punitive damages.

She is being represented by attorneys Matthew C. Lindsay and Richard D. Lindsay of Tabor, Lindsay & Associates in Charleston.

Circuit Court of Mercer County Case No. 13-C-168.