Georgia Nursing Home Negligence: Woman Awarded $47M After Untreated Donkey Bite Leads to Double Amputation
Anna Giacomi v. Union General Hospital Inc. d/b/a Union County Nursing Home et al
Case Overview
In 2017, Anna Giacomi filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Union General Hospital Inc., operating as Union County Nursing Home, alleging that medical negligence following a donkey attack led to her deteriorating condition and ultimately required a double amputation.
The case was filed in the Superior Court of Union County, Georgia, with Judge James E. “Jim” Cornwell Jr. presiding. [Case Number: SUCV2017000365]
Cause
In November 2015, after sustaining injuries to her left arm and hand while feeding a donkey, Anna Giacomi sought treatment at Blairsville’s Union County Nursing Home for rehabilitation.
Dr. James Heaton, then the director of the nursing home, oversaw her care following her transfer from Northeast Georgia Medical Center, where she had initially been admitted for wounds from the donkey attack, according to court records.
Giacomi’s complaint states that she developed a severe infection in her left arm and leg. While staff at the nursing home noticed the infection, Dr. Heaton allegedly failed to evaluate her in time. Despite clear warning signs—including excessive drainage, a foul odor, and her foot turning green—healthcare providers at the nursing home and Union General Hospital purportedly waited nearly seven days before consulting a surgeon. The delay led to a flesh-eating bacterial infection, ultimately requiring the amputation of her arm and leg.
Damages
The lawsuit claimed that Giacomi endured seven days without proper medical intervention, resulting in severe and lasting consequences. She experienced, and would continue to experience, significant daily challenges due to her injuries. She sought compensation for the double amputation, which she argued could have been prevented with timely and appropriate medical care.
Jury Verdict
On July 30, the jury issued its initial verdict, concluding that medical malpractice had occurred. A second verdict, delivered on August 5, addressed negligent credentialing.
As part of their ruling, jurors awarded Giacomi $47 million for past and future pain and suffering, according to court records.
The jury apportioned liability as follows: 5% to Union General Hospital for medical malpractice by multiple employees, 45% to Union General Hospital for negligently credentialing Dr. James Heaton, 45% to Heaton personally, and the remaining 5% to Dr. Janaki Narravula.
Although Heaton and Narravula were not named as Defendants in the case, the jury still assigned them fault. Under Georgia law, jurors can attribute responsibility to nonparties, ensuring Defendants are only held liable for their specific share of the harm.