On April 6, 2018, Staff Sgt. Ryan Carter underwent what was supposed to be a routine back surgery at Walter Reed Medical Center. Tragically, he left the hospital paralyzed, forever altering his life and that of his family. This blog post delves into Ryan's harrowing journey, the implications of military malpractice, and the broader issues surrounding the Feres Doctrine that prevent service members from seeking justice.
Meet Staff Sgt. Ryan Carter
The Incident That Changed Everything
On April 6th, Ryan went to Walter Reed for surgery to address chronic neck pain stemming from a boot camp injury. What was expected to be a straightforward procedure turned into a nightmare. After the surgery, Ryan was left paralyzed from the chest down, only able to use his left arm.
Ryan and his wife, Kathleen, believe he is a victim of military malpractice. However, they cannot pursue legal action due to the complexities of military law. At the time of his surgery, Ryan was not on active duty, which should have allowed him to file a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Yet, the military backdated his orders, rendering him ineligible to seek compensation.
Ryan's story is a call to action for all service members and their families. It highlights the urgent need for reform in military healthcare and legal protections for those who serve. The Feres Doctrine has far-reaching consequences, affecting individual cases and the entire military community.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Ryan Carter's routine surgery led to paralysis due to alleged military malpractice.
The Feres Doctrine prevents military members from suing the government for injuries sustained while in service.
Ryan's case highlights systemic issues within military healthcare and the need for accountability.
The Feres Doctrine: A Barrier to Justice
The Feres Doctrine, established by a 1950 Supreme Court ruling, categorizes injuries sustained by military personnel as “incident to service.” This ruling has been broadly applied, preventing service members from seeking legal recourse for medical malpractice, sexual assault, and other grievances. Ryan's case is not an isolated incident; many service members face similar challenges, often suffering in silence.
The Impact on Ryan and His Family
Ryan's injury has had profound effects on his life and that of his family. After the surgery, he was forced to relocate from Maryland to Florida to be closer to family and a specialized veterans hospital. The emotional and financial toll has been immense. Ryan's ability to work, engage in family activities, and even maintain relationships has been severely compromised.
The Fight for Accountability
Ryan's lawyer, Chris Casciano, has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of this case. He emphasizes the need for accountability within military healthcare systems. The lack of transparency and the inability to hold military hospitals accountable for malpractice is a significant issue that needs addressing.
Chris has been advocating for Ryan's case to be heard in court, arguing that the Feres Doctrine should not apply in situations like Ryan's, where he was not on active duty at the time of his injury. The hope is that the Supreme Court will reconsider the implications of this doctrine and allow service members to seek justice for their injuries.
Listen to Audio
Watch Full Episode
Conclusion
The journey for Ryan and Kathleen is far from over. They continue to fight for justice, not just for themselves but for all service members who have suffered due to negligence within the military healthcare system. Their story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform and the importance of ensuring they receive the care and accountability they deserve.
As we follow Ryan's case, we must advocate for change and support those who have been affected by similar injustices. The fight for accountability in military healthcare is a fight for all of us.
