A Palm Beach County woman has filed a lawsuit alleging severe medical negligence following a botched surgical procedure. Ashley Weinrauch initiated the complaint on July 24, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, against Dr. Gary Richman and the Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County, L.L.C.

The complaint details that Weinrauch was involved in a motor vehicle accident on July 18, 2021, which resulted in significant trauma to her nose and face requiring reconstructive surgery. Additionally, she experienced bilateral neck pain, frequent headaches, shoulder pain radiating to her shoulder blades, and tingling in both arms extending to her hands. On February 2, 2022, she consulted with Dr. Gary Richman who diagnosed her with C5-6 herniated disc, bilateral cervical radiculopathy, and bilateral cervical facet syndrome. Dr. Richman recommended bilateral C3-4, C4-5, and C5-6 medial branch blocks for pain management.

On February 28, 2022, Dr. Richman performed the recommended medial branch block procedure under local anesthesia. However, post-procedure complications arose; Weinrauch reported persistent neck pain at a severity level of 7-8 out of 10 along with lower abdominal pain and bloating. Most distressingly for Weinrauch was the complete loss of bowel movement ability without the use of multiple laxatives and digital stimulation—a condition she attributes directly to the alleged negligence during her treatment.