Detroit, Michigan – A Michigan family has filed a lawsuit alleging that a Detroit hospital lost a piece of a woman’s skull following life-saving stroke surgery, forcing doctors to implant a prosthetic replacement and leaving the patient bed-bound with severe complications. The lawsuit further claims the hospital attempted to make amends by offering a $25 gas card.
Stroke Surgery Meant to Save Her Life
According to the legal complaint filed on behalf of Edna Burton, the woman was admitted to Ascension St. John Hospital in 2023 after suffering a severe stroke. Doctors performed an emergency decompressive right hemicraniectomy, a procedure that involves removing a portion of the skull to relieve pressure caused by brain swelling.
The family’s attorneys state the surgeon made it clear that Burton’s bone flap, the removed section of her skull, was to be carefully preserved so it could be reattached once the swelling subsided.
A Shocking Discovery After Recovery
When doctors later determined Burton was stable enough for the skull piece to be replaced, hospital staff allegedly discovered it was missing.
According to the lawsuit, hospital officials told the family that Burton’s skull had been mistakenly mixed up with another patient’s remains due to a name similarity. The complaint identifies the other patient as someone with a similar name, allegedly leading to Burton’s bone being discarded.
“You threw her bone away,” Burton’s daughter Erica Burton said in an interview. “It’s not even about the money. You don’t know what you took from us.”
Forced to Receive a Prosthetic Implant
Because the original bone flap could not be recovered, Burton allegedly had no choice but to receive a prosthetic skull plate. Her attorneys argue that the artificial implant does not provide the same medical benefits as her own bone and exposed her to additional risks.
The lawsuit quotes Burton’s treating physician as writing in medical notes:
“Her brain swelling has gone down and now I recommend replacement of her bone flap using her own bone. However, her bone was lost by the hospital so we are using a prosthetic plate of skull that the hospital paid for as replacement to reimplant.”
Family Says Health Rapidly Declined
The Burton family claims Edna’s condition deteriorated significantly after the prosthetic surgery. Erica Burton told reporters her mother has stopped speaking and eating, developed bed sores, and is now completely bed-bound.
According to the family, Burton’s physical therapist eventually discontinued treatment, stating the sessions were causing too much pain.
“What should have been a step toward recovery became a frightening ordeal that continues to affect her daily life, health, and safety,” the family’s legal team stated.
$25 Gas Card Allegedly Offered as Compensation
Adding to the family’s distress, the lawsuit claims the hospital attempted to compensate Burton by offering a $25 gas card.
“To add insult to injury, the patient was purportedly provided a $25.00 gas card by the hospital in compensation,” the complaint states.
Erica Burton said the offer felt dismissive given the lifelong impact of the alleged mistake.
“I’ve got a 20-month-old baby, a 5-year-old daughter, and an 8-year-old son,” she said. “Please let them remember their nana.”
Hospital Ownership and Legal Response
The lawsuit also addresses a shift in hospital management. Henry Ford Health reportedly assumed stewardship of Ascension St. John Hospital in 2024, more than a year after the alleged incident occurred.
A spokesperson for Henry Ford Health said the organization is seeking to have its name removed from the lawsuit, stating the events took place while the hospital was operated by Ascension Michigan.
“Providing safe, reliable, high-quality healthcare for every person who walks through our doors is always our highest priority,” the spokesperson said, adding that they could not comment further due to ongoing litigation.
Attempts to obtain comment from Ascension were reportedly unsuccessful.
Ongoing Impact and Legal Claims
The family’s complaint argues that Burton’s current condition is directly linked to the hospital’s inability to reattach her original bone flap. Their legal team maintains the loss of the skull piece represents a serious breach of patient safety and medical protocol.
The lawsuit seeks accountability for what the family describes as preventable errors that permanently altered Burton’s quality of life.
The case remains pending, and no court rulings have yet been made on the allegations.
If you or a loved one have experienced complications following medical treatment, understanding patient rights and hospital safety standards may help protect future care. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
