Oliver Bell Group Sues Ascension St John Over Catastrophic Medical Error

Lawsuit Filed Against Ascension St John Hospital

On December 16, 2025, the Oliver Bell Group announced the filing of a lawsuit against Ascension St John Hospital, representing a woman whose life has been forever altered following a catastrophic medical error. The patient in question, who was admitted to the hospital for a stroke, experienced a series of events that led to a shocking revelation regarding her treatment.

Background of the Case

On June 14, 2023, the patient was rushed to Ascension St John Hospital to receive urgent care after suffering a stroke. After five days of observation, a decompressive right hemicraniectomy was performed—an essential procedure aimed at relieving pressure on the brain by removing part of the skull. According to the surgeon’s instructions, the removed section of the skull was meant to be preserved and reattached once the swelling subsided. However, when the time came for reattachment, the medical team discovered that they had lost the patient's skull.

Mistaken Identity

The hospital informed the patient that her skull was mistakenly mixed up with that of another individual who had a similar name. The anguish inflicted by this negligent error was compounded when the hospital provided inadequate compensation, offering merely a $25.00 gas card; a response that has been deemed grossly inadequate in light of the seriousness of the incident.

Impact on the Patient's Life

Due to the hospital's negligence, the patient was forced to undergo further surgery to receive a prosthetic replacement for the missing piece of her skull. The replacement fails to replicate the natural anatomy she originally possessed, leading to significant implications for her health, safety, and overall quality of life. What should have represented a key step in her recovery instead marked the beginning of a painful ordeal—one that she continues to bear the emotional and physical scars from.

Legal Response

In a statement, Alyson Oliver, the Founding Partner and Attorney at the Oliver Bell Group, emphasized the gravity of the hospital's failures: "This was a serious breach of the duties the hospital owed to our client. It is unacceptable, and justice will be served." The lawsuit aims to hold Ascension St John accountable for the distress and medical costs incurred due to their negligence.

The Oliver Bell Group reiterated their commitment to securing the full compensation necessary to support the patient’s ongoing medical needs and well-being. "Our client deserved dependable medical care during a life-threatening emergency. Instead, she suffered an avoidable and life-changing injury due to simple negligence," Oliver added.

Call to Action

Moreover, the firm encourages anyone who has experienced similar medical negligence to seek legal counsel promptly to safeguard their rights and pursue justice.

Conclusion

The case against Ascension St John Hospital has sparked broader discussions about the importance of accountability in the healthcare system, particularly when patients place their trust in medical professionals during vulnerable moments. As more details of the lawsuit unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from negligence in healthcare.

For further information or to seek legal assistance, individuals can contact the Oliver Bell Group at (248) 327-6556 or visit their website at OliverBellGroup.com.