William Bryan experienced sudden abdominal pain while visiting Florida. He was admitted to Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital for tests concerning a possible spleen abnormality.
Doctors Recommend Surgery
Doctors convinced Mr. Bryan to undergo surgery at the hospital, advising him of potential complications if he didn't.
Fatal Mistake During Surgery
During the laparoscopic splenectomy, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky mistakenly removed Mr. Bryan's liver instead of his spleen. This caused severe blood loss, leading to his death.
Alleged Cover-Up Attempt
The law firm representing Mr. Bryan's widow alleges Dr. Shaknovsky attempted to pass off the removed liver as an enlarged spleen.
Wife Seeks Justice
Beverly Bryan, Mr. Bryan's widow, seeks justice for her husband's death. She is pursuing both civil and criminal proceedings.
Doctor's Past Allegation
The law firm claims Dr. Shaknovsky has a history of wrong-site surgery, having removed part of a patient's pancreas instead of the intended adrenal gland in 2023.
Hospital Investigating
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital is investigating Mr. Bryan's death.
Cause of Abdominal Pain Identified
An autopsy revealed a small cyst on Mr. Bryan's actual spleen, likely the cause of his initial pain.
Doctor No Longer Affiliated with Hospital
North Walton Doctor's Hospital, where Dr. Shaknovsky previously practiced, has reportedly removed him from their website and severed ties.