University of Iowa, state pay patient burned during surgery

The state of Iowa has agreed to pay a 60-year-old University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics patient $162,500 after an MRI machine severely burned and permanently injured her in 2017 while she was unconscious for a procedure related to her cancer care.

The UI Physicians group is paying half the amount – $81,250 – and the other half is coming from the state’s general fund.

Lisa K. Brimmer, of Henry County, in her lawsuit -- filed Jan. 22, 2019, in Johnson County District Court -- accuses UIHC and maker of the MRI equipment of negligence after she went in for a Feb. 6, 2017, procedure related to her cervical cancer care.

When UIHC personnel moved Brimmer into the MRI machine at issue, she was unconscious, according to the lawsuit.

“During treatment, and while (Brimmer) was unconscious, UIHC allowed (her) body to come into contact with an extremely hot portion of the accident machine, severely and permanently burning her,” the lawsuit stated.

Brimmer sustained a third-degree burn to her left elbow before UIHC personnel noticed that the machine was injuring her, the lawsuit stated.

Among the damages, Brimmer reports scarring, lasting pain and permanent loss of feeling in her left hand and upper extremity.

The State Appeal Board voted unanimously to approve the settlement.

Vanessa Miller covers higher education for The Gazette.

Comments: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com