An Oregon mother of six is seeking $68.5 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit alleging that inadequate postoperative care and delays in treating a serious infection led to multiple amputations, paralysis and permanent disability.
Trisha Stevens, now 46, alleges that complications following an October 2024 hysterectomy resulted in a life-threatening infection, septic shock and multiple organ failure.
The lawsuit names several healthcare providers and medical organizations, including Legacy Health and Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center.
According to the complaint, Stevens ultimately lost both legs above the knees, suffered the loss of substantial portions of both hands, and underwent removal of portions of her lips and tongue.
She also reportedly became paralyzed from the lower back down.
The family filed the lawsuit in Multnomah County Circuit Court, seeking compensation for past medical expenses, future care, loss of quality of life and the impact of her injuries on her marriage.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the requested $68.5 million is a damages claim rather than a confirmed settlement or judgment.
What Happened to Trisha Stevens After Her Surgery?
According to the lawsuit, Stevens underwent surgery on October 4, 2024, when she was 44.
The procedure involved removing her fallopian tubes and performing a planned robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus.
In Stevens’ case, the complaint alleges that a subsequent medical crisis developed after the operation.
The lawsuit states that Stevens attended a postoperative appointment with Dr. Alvin Nakamura on October 17.
Two days later, she was walking down the bleachers at her son’s football game when she experienced a sudden tearing and popping sensation in her lower abdomen.
Initially, Stevens reportedly believed she might have a stomach illness, particularly after one of her children became sick the following day.
However, her symptoms worsened. By October 22, she was experiencing abdominal cramping, a low-grade fever and diarrhea.
The complaint also states that she passed a blood clot approximately the size of a baseball.
Stevens contacted Bridgetown Medical Group, where a nurse allegedly advised her to rest, stay hydrated and return if she passed another clot.
According to the lawsuit, approximately 13 hours later, Stevens’ condition had deteriorated enough for her to seek emergency treatment at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center.
The complaint alleges that she arrived with signs of developing sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition associated with the body’s response to infection.
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Lawsuit Alleges Delayed Diagnosis and Inadequate Treatment
The lawsuit questions how Stevens’ condition was evaluated and treated after she arrived at the emergency department.
According to the complaint, the healthcare providers initially considered treating the infection with antibiotics rather than proceeding directly to surgery.
The lawsuit also alleges that the medical team subsequently chose a surgical approach that was not appropriate for her condition.
The complaint states that medical testing identified a Group A Streptococcus infection. Stevens allegedly continued to deteriorate, developing septic shock and multiple organ failure.
These allegations form a central part of the family’s medical malpractice claim.
The lawsuit contends that delays in recognizing the severity of the infection and problems with treatment decisions contributed to Stevens’ catastrophic injuries.
However, a lawsuit’s account of medical care does not, by itself, establish that a provider violated the applicable standard of care.
That determination requires an assessment of the medical evidence, the circumstances of treatment and the applicable legal standards.
How Sepsis Can Lead to Organ Failure and Amputations
Sepsis is a medical emergency that occurs when the body’s response to an infection triggers a chain reaction that can damage its own tissues and organs.
Without timely and appropriate treatment, it can progress to organ failure and death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Source: CDC β About Sepsis.
Group A Streptococcus is a type of bacteria that can cause illnesses ranging from relatively mild infections to severe, life-threatening conditions.
The CDC identifies streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and certain invasive infections among the serious complications associated with these bacteria.
Source: CDC β About Group A Strep Infection.
In severe infections, complications can include shock, organ dysfunction and extensive tissue damage.
The CDC’s clinical guidance for streptococcal toxic shock syndrome identifies tissue necrosis and loss of extremities through amputation among possible complications.
Source: CDC β Clinical Guidance for Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome.
In Stevens’ case, the complaint alleges that the infection progressed to septic shock and multiple organ failure.
It also alleges that reduced blood flow or a blockage affecting her spinal cord during the medical crisis contributed to her paralysis.
The precise medical mechanisms and whether the defendants’ alleged actions caused or worsened her injuries remain matters for the legal process.
General medical information about sepsis does not establish negligence in an individual case.
Multiple Amputations and Permanent Disability
The lawsuit describes a series of operations performed over several weeks as Stevens’ condition worsened.
According to the complaint, surgeons amputated both of her legs above the knees, removed her right hand at the wrist and amputated a substantial portion of her left hand. Doctors also removed portions of her lips and tongue.
The complaint further alleges that Stevens was left paralyzed from the lower back down.
Her attorney, Rhett Fraser, said Stevens previously lived an active and independent life as a full-time mother and partner.
She reportedly drove, cooked, cleaned, managed household responsibilities and participated in her children’s activities.
Her circumstances have changed dramatically, according to the attorney.
Stevens now reportedly requires extensive assistance with personal care, eating and repositioning her body.
She also experiences difficulty pronouncing certain sounds and needs daily wound care for pressure ulcers, according to the lawsuit and statements from her attorney.
The injuries described in the complaint have affected not only Stevens’ physical independence but also her ability to carry out everyday activities and participate in family life.
Why Is the Family Seeking $68.5 Million?
The lawsuit seeks a total of $68.5 million in damages, divided into four categories.
| Category of damages | Amount sought |
|---|---|
| Past medical expenses | $2.5 million |
| Future medical and care expenses | $6 million |
| Loss of enjoyment of life | $55 million |
| Husband’s loss-of-consortium claim | $5 million |
| Total damages sought | $68.5 million |
The largest portion of the claim, $55 million, relates to the alleged permanent loss of enjoyment of life.
The family is also seeking $8.5 million combined for past and anticipated future medical and care expenses.
Brian Stevens, Trisha’s husband and a Portland firefighter, is seeking $5 million for loss of consortium.
This type of claim generally concerns the effect of a serious injury on a spouse’s relationship, companionship and other aspects of married life recognized under applicable law.
The requested damages reflect the family’s claims about the financial and personal consequences of Stevens’ injuries.
They do not represent an amount a court has awarded, and the final outcome may differ from the amount requested.
Who Are the Defendants in the Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
The complaint names six defendants:
- Bridgetown Medical Group, which the lawsuit identifies as the medical group involved in Stevens’ postoperative care.
- Dr. Alvin Nakamura, whom the complaint identifies as the surgeon who performed the operation and provided postoperative care.
- Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, where Stevens reportedly sought emergency treatment.
- Legacy Health, the healthcare organization named in the lawsuit.
- Dr. Gregory Eilers, identified in the complaint as one of the providers involved in her subsequent treatment.
- Dr. Robert Azar, also identified in the complaint as a provider involved in her subsequent treatment.
The lawsuit alleges failures in postoperative care, timely diagnosis and treatment.
The precise allegations and responsibilities attributed to each defendant should be assessed using the full complaint and other court records.
Legacy Health declined to comment on the case, citing the pending litigation, according to the original report.
The other defendants either could not be reached or did not respond to requests for comment at the time of that reporting.
No conclusion about liability should be drawn from the filing of the lawsuit or from the absence of a public response.
How the Family Is Coping With the Aftermath
Brian Stevens has reportedly returned to work as a firefighter and serves as his wife’s primary caregiver when he is off duty.
The couple’s six children were between 7 and 21 years old at the time of the October 2024 surgery.
The injuries described in the lawsuit have created substantial ongoing care needs for the family.
Fraser said the family has received support from relatives, friends, their church and Brian’s colleagues at Portland Fire & Rescue.
That assistance has included organized meal support.
The lawsuit seeks financial compensation for the extensive care Stevens reportedly requires and for the lasting consequences of the medical crisis.
What Happens Next in the Trisha Stevens Lawsuit?
The case was filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Its ultimate outcome will depend on the legal proceedings and the evidence presented.
Potentially relevant evidence may include medical records, expert testimony, communications concerning postoperative symptoms, emergency department records and evidence about the care required because of Stevens’ injuries.
Medical malpractice litigation generally requires examination of whether the care provided met the applicable standard and whether any alleged breach caused compensable harm.
The specific legal and medical issues in this case must be evaluated on their own evidence.
The latest procedural status, any subsequent defendant responses and any hearing or trial dates should be confirmed through reliable reporting or official Oregon court records before publication.
The Oregon Judicial Department provides information about finding court cases and court records.
For now, the $68.5 million demand represents the family’s allegations and requested compensation, not a final determination of responsibility.
The case places the focus on the events surrounding Stevens’ postoperative complications and the questions raised by the family’s claims about the response to her worsening condition.
Frequently asked questions
1. Who is Trisha Stevens?
Trisha Stevens is an Oregon mother of six who filed a medical malpractice lawsuit alleging that complications following an October 2024 surgery led to a severe infection, multiple amputations and paralysis.
2. How much money is Trisha Stevens seeking?
The lawsuit seeks $68.5 million, including $2.5 million for past medical expenses, $6 million for future expenses, $55 million for loss of enjoyment of life and $5 million for her husband’s loss-of-consortium claim.
3. What allegedly caused Stevens’ injuries?
According to the complaint, Stevens developed a Group A Streptococcus infection after surgery. The lawsuit alleges that failures in postoperative care and delays in diagnosing and treating the infection contributed to septic shock, multiple organ failure and permanent injuries.
4. Which hospital is named in the lawsuit?
Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center is among the named defendants. The lawsuit also names Legacy Health, Bridgetown Medical Group and four individual healthcare providers.
5. Did Trisha Stevens receive a $68.5 million settlement?
The available reporting describes a lawsuit seeking $68.5 million in damages. It does not establish that the family has received a settlement or court award.
6. When did the alleged medical complications begin?
The surgery took place on October 4, 2024. According to the complaint, Stevens experienced a sudden abdominal sensation on October 19 and developed worsening symptoms before seeking emergency care on October 22.
7. What is the current status of the lawsuit?
The latest court status has not been independently confirmed for this article. Readers should consult official Oregon court records or subsequent reliable reporting for verified updates.
