Florida patient sues hospital, cardiology practice for alleged negligence after leg amputation
Hailey Van Dam, a Florida woman who had her leg amputated after showing signs of acute limb ischemia, is now suing multiple healthcare providers for negligence. According to the lawsuit, the amputation was “easily avoidable,” but it became necessary due to significant delays in care and the hospital’s lack of trained surgeons.
Van Dam and her husband filed the lawsuit against Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Florida, as well as Bradenton Cardiology Center, an interventional cardiologist and a hospital nurse. They are seeking more than $100,000.
A closer look at the allegations
According to the lawsuit, Van Dam was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital by ambulance in early July 2024 after experiencing severe pain in her left leg as well as “diminished sensation” in her right leg. Ultrasounds confirmed there were blockages that required immediate treatment, but the hospital’s two vascular surgeons were both out of state.
The lawsuit goes on to say that Manatee Memorial Hospital claimed to provide 24/7 vascular surgery services at the time of this incident. No surgeons were available, though, and an interventional cardiologist was brought in to provide care. Van Dam has alleged that the interventional attempt was delayed, and when it did occur, it was unsuccessful.
Many hours later, after more alleged delays, Van Dam was transferred to Tampa General Hospital. Her leg was amputated at the end of the month.
“The Tampa General Hospital vascular surgeon made heroic surgical efforts to try to and salvage her left leg, but tragically too much time had passed,” according to the lawsuit.
A PDF of the full complaint from Sept. 3, 2025, is available on the official website of Angelina "Angel" Colonneso, the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller of Manatee County.
Hospital seeks dismissal
On Sept. 23, Manatee Memorial Hospital filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, citing specific legal precedents that suggest Van Dam and her husband have not proven there was negligence. The hospital, and the other defendants, have made no comments about the incident.
Additional details
The Sarasota Herald-Tribune was one of the earliest outlets to cover this lawsuit, gaining access to multiple documents. Click here and here to read the publication’s coverage.
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.