South Carolina Woman Awarded Millions After Incorrect Thyroid Removal in Surgical Error

In a significant medical malpractice case in South Carolina, a jury awarded approximately $5.1 million in damages to a woman who claimed her surgeon mistakenly removed her entire thyroid gland during a procedure. The case centered around Natalie Boyd, who alleged that Dr. Richard C. Osman and Coastal Otolaryngology Associates in Myrtle Beach failed to follow the standard of care and performed an unnecessary total thyroidectomy without her consent. The surgery took place in December 2017, despite pre-operative assessments indicating her thyroid was enlarged but non-cancerous.

Boyd's lawsuit, filed in March 2021, detailed that she had four pre-surgical visits with Dr. Osman. She stated she explicitly communicated that she only consented to removing part of her thyroid unless cancer was discovered, which would justify a total removal. However, during the operation, Osman performed a total thyroidectomy, removing her entire gland—an action she did not agree to and which was not medically indicated since she was cancer-free.

Following the surgery, Boyd experienced numerous health issues, including persistent fatigue, anxiety, difficulty swallowing, choking, and other complications directly impacting her quality of life.

The jury's verdict, announced on August 29, was in favor of Boyd, attributing her injuries to the breach of care by Osman and his practice. The damages included $105,000 for medical expenses and $5 million for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Osman and the practice's attorneys filed motions for a new trial shortly after the verdict, challenging the jury's decision.

Throughout the trial, Boyd's presentation included handwritten notes indicating her restriction to partial removal unless cancer was present, supporting her claim of informed consent violation. Osman’s defense argued that Boyd had changed her notes to suggest she would only consent to total removal if cancer was involved, a claim Boyd and her legal team contested.

Osman, whose medical license had expired in June 2021 and was no longer active, faced scrutiny despite no prior disciplinary history through the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners.

This case highlights the critical importance of clear communication and adherence to surgical protocols, emphasizing patient rights and informed consent. It also raises questions about accountability and the legal responsibilities of surgeons to follow precise surgical plans agreed upon beforehand.