Bell Law Firm filed this medical malpractice lawsuit on behalf of Tammy and Michael Carnley, alleging that delayed stroke diagnosis and treatment at St. Francis–Emory Healthcare Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, left Tammy permanently disabled.
On October 7, 2024, Tammy, a 47-year-old Muscogee County School District employee, arrived by ambulance with right-sided paralysis, facial droop and an inability to speak or understand language. The complaint describes failures to promptly obtain vascular imaging, consult neurology, activate a stroke alert and arrange emergency transfer. It also identifies an initial head CT incorrectly reported as normal.
Nearly eight hours passed before Tammy reached a comprehensive stroke center. By then, imaging showed extensive brain damage, and she could no longer undergo mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure to remove the clot blocking blood flow to her brain. The lawsuit alleges that these delays left her with permanent paralysis, profound language impairment and the need for lifetime care.
The case was filed September 28, 2026, in the Superior Court of Muscogee County.
To view the full complaint, click here.