Irish American soldier sues for $10 million after penis amputation due to frostbite

Medical procedure went horribly wrong after routine operation says lawyer

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Irish American army veteran Michael D. Nash is suing the federal government for $10 million

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Irish American army veteran Michael D. Nash is suing the federal government for $10 million after he suffered frostbite and gangrene on his penis after an operation.

Nash, 61, had entered a Veterans Administration hospital in Louisville, Kentucky for a penile implant and circumcision. After the surgery Nash’s lawyer claims a nurse put an ice pack on Nash’s groin area for nineteen hours straight.

His lawyer Larry Jones told ABC: "It basically caused frostbite on his penis, which eventually caused gangrene," Jones said. "In addition to robbing someone of their manhood, they've robbed him of the simple ability to urinate just like every other person who lives in this world."

Nash had to have five inches of penile tissue removed and still cannot urinate Jones said.
Jones described the treatment  as "non-stop ice replacement."

"Any doctor who is monitoring the care of their patient is not going to allow someone to have constant treatment with ice ... for more than 2-3 hours," Jones said.

"It's about the most blatant medical malpractice error one could make," Jones said. "It's a senseless tragedy that should never have happened."

Nash first tried to have the issue resolved through the Department of Veteran Affairs but they refused.

"It is our opinion that there was no negligence on the part of the Department of Veterans Affairs or any of its employees in connection with the claimed loss; therefore your claim is denied," wrote Melinda Frick, Indianapolis-based regional counsel for the VA.

Jones said the extent of Nash's injuries are horrific."If this was someone who had a little frostbite and a little burning for a couple of days, there would be no suit," Jones said. "I would not wish this on my worst enemy."

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