Amputee testifies in third malpractice lawsuit

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Lisa-Maria Carter woke up from surgery and asked why she was wearing black gloves.

A physicians assistant had to break the horrible news that would change her life forever.

"Your feet and your hands were gangrene and your stomach got a little messed up," Carter testified during her third malpractice trial.

Carter, who had gone in for a routine surgery in November of 2010 to remove an ovarian cyst, 
was about to have her arms and most of her legs amputated.

"I don't think there is enough pain medication to be given to not feel the pain," she said.

She blames her surgeon, Dr. Larry Glazerman of USF, for accidentally cutting her small bowel during surgery and failing to catch it on time.

By the time they did, it was too late.

"I never saw Dr. Glazerman again," Carter said.

She had a blossoming career as an intelligence analyst for the Department of Defense. But now that career was over.

From eating to showering to going to the ladies room, nothing would ever be easy or private.

She would need 24-hour care and treatment for the rest of her life.

"My arms are two different lengths because there was more gangrene on my right arm then my left arm," she said.

Carter is suing USF for millions, but recovering damages hasn't been easy. This is the third trial, the two other juries were deadlocked. She is hopeful this time the jury will clearly see who's to blame for leaving her in this condition.

Dr. Glazerman denies doing anything wrong and says he followed acceptable standards of care. The trial continues next week.