Former Sandusky doctor facing wrongful death suit

SANDUSKY — A former Firelands Physician Group neurosurgeon is facing a new lawsuit filed in Erie County's common pleas court. Dr. Daniel Elskens is named as a defendant in an action brought by the administrator of a deceased woman's estate. The suit claims Elskens caused the death of Vermilion resident Peggy Newman during an Oct, 8, 2020 surgery. During the procedure, a lateral anterior interbody fusion, Elskens severed Newman's abdominal aorta causing her to bleed out, the suit states. The surgery is a type of spinal surgery intended to relieve lower back pain. The aorta is the main artery carrying blood away from the heart. The aorta lays on top of the spine and needs to be moved to the side to perform the spinal surgery. The suit also names Firelands Physician Group, North Coast Professional Company, Firelands Regional Medical Center and Firelands Regional Health System as co-defendants. The plaintiff is seeking a judgment in excess of $25,000 for compensatory damages. In their response to the suit, Firelands Regional Health System and Firelands Regional Medical Center denied every allegation in the complaint unless, in the response, they stipulated that it was true. These defendants' answer claims the statute of limitations bars the suit from moving forward. Their answer also states that any injuries that may have occurred were the work of people the defendants did not have responsibility for. An answer filed by an attorney for Elskens, Firelands Physician Group and North Coast Professional Company asks that the suit be dismissed. Their answer also cites the statute of limitations. Firelands Health declined comment in a written statement to the Register Friday because the case is "open and ongoing." Elskens was previously sued for work done at his former employer, the Providence St. Mary hospital in Walla Walla, Washingon. The lawsuit claimed Elskens performed a high volume of dangerous surgeries to gain financial incentives from his employer. Several plaintiffs in that case claimed permanent injuries suffered during failed surgeries. Elskens began "winding down" his Sandusky practice in June after that suit was filed, Firelands Health officials previously said, adding that the doctor expressed intent to return to his home state of Michigan. Information online indicates Elskens is operating a neurosurgery practice in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. More suits coming? Local law firm Kademnos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright is running ads on social media seeking plaintiffs for lawsuits against Elskens. The ad states that the firm is "helping victims of Dr. Elskens fight back." It also asks the viewer if they had "unnecessary surgery performed by (Elskens)." Stephen S. Crandall, a Chagrin Falls attorney whose firm is working with the local one, said the response to the ad has been "overwhelming." "We have had (victims), family members and care providers reach out with information about Elskens," Crandall said. "He seems to have a pattern of bad outcomes."