Jury Rules in Favor of Orthopedic Associates in Knee Surgery Malpractice Case
Case Background
Donna Gecewicz filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Orthopedic Associates of Middletown, P.C., and Dr. Thomas Larson. The complaint was filed on October 5, 2021. The return date was set for June 15, 2021. Gecewicz secured extensions to the statute of limitations in late September and October 2020. Attorney Stephanie Z. Roberge of Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, LLC, represented the plaintiff. The lawsuit arose from a knee replacement surgery performed on July 5, 2018.
Cause
Dr. Thomas Larson performed a total right knee arthroplasty on Gecewicz. The procedure allegedly involved several technical errors. The femoral and tibial components were placed with excessive valgus angulation. The components were poorly aligned, causing excessive flexion. The surgical site preparation was not adequate. Dr. Larson failed to notice the malalignment and its risks. He did not use safe and accepted surgical techniques. These missteps formed the core of the negligence claim.
Injury
Post-surgery, Gecewicz experienced chronic knee pain and instability. She struggled to walk and bear weight on the leg. The malalignment caused significant physical dysfunction. Emotional distress also followed the physical symptoms. Her mobility declined, and daily life became more difficult. A second surgery, a revision arthroplasty, became necessary. The injuries were ongoing and likely permanent. Gecewicz’s ability to enjoy activities and maintain independence had been severely affected.
Damages
Gecewicz incurred medical expenses related to both the original and revision surgeries. She anticipated further treatment costs. The injuries impaired her ability to participate in everyday life. She claimed damages for physical pain and emotional suffering. The lawsuit also addressed her diminished quality of life. Legal filings included the required medical opinion letters under Connecticut law.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Donna Gecewicz
Counsel for Plaintiff: Kennedy Johnson Schwab & Roberge PC
Expert Witness for Plaintiff: Michael Sidor | Victor Khabie | Craig Rodner
Defendants: Orthopedic Associates of Middletown, P.C. | Dr. Thomas Larson
Counsel for Defendants: Gfeller Laurie LLP
Claims
Count I: Vicarious Liability of Orthopedic Associates of Middletown, P.C.
Donna Gecewicz alleged that Orthopedic Associates of Middletown, P.C. was legally responsible for the acts and omissions of Dr. Thomas Larson. She asserted that Dr. Larson performed a total right knee arthroplasty while acting as an agent, servant, or employee of the medical group. The complaint stated that the procedure resulted in malalignment, excessive valgus angulation, and improper component placement. Gecewicz claimed the organization bore responsibility under the doctrine of respondeat superior. She further alleged that the practice failed to ensure adherence to proper surgical protocols, contributing to her permanent injuries.
Count II: Medical Negligence by Dr. Thomas Larson
In the second count, Gecewicz asserted that Dr. Larson personally breached the standard of care during the knee arthroplasty performed around July 5, 2018. She claimed he improperly prepared the surgical site, misaligned the knee components, and failed to identify risks of instability and long-term wear. These negligent acts allegedly caused her significant and permanent harm, including pain, limited mobility, and the need for revision surgery. The complaint contended that Dr. Larson’s conduct constituted medical negligence and directly resulted in her ongoing disability.
Defense
Orthopedic Associates of Middletown, P.C. and Dr. Thomas Larson denied all material allegations of negligence and liability in Donna Gecewicz’s complaint. They admitted that Dr. Larson was employed by Orthopedic Associates at the time of treatment and that he provided orthopedic care to Gecewicz, including a total right knee replacement on October 30, 2018. However, they denied the claims of surgical error, improper technique, and resulting injuries. Where allegations were vague, legal in nature, or not clearly factual, the defendants stated they lacked sufficient information to admit or deny and left the plaintiff to her proof.
The defendants rejected allegations of negligence, malalignment, excessive valgus positioning, and failure to identify surgical risks. They also denied responsibility for any long-term harm, including pain, disability, or emotional distress. By incorporating prior denials and defenses into the second count, Dr. Larson individually refuted the claims against him. The overall defense strategy focused on disputing factual claims and challenging the sufficiency of the plaintiff’s allegations.
Jury Verdict
On February 3, 2025, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendants, Orthopedic Associates of Middletown, P.C. and Dr. Thomas Larson. The jury found that neither defendant was liable for medical negligence in connection with Donna Gecewicz’s right knee replacement surgery. As a result, the court entered judgment for the defendants, awarding no damages to the plaintiff.