A retired US airman is suing the US government for medical malpractice.  His wife and him claim that military surgeons messed up a routine gallbladder operation that eventually led to the amputation of his legs.  He claims that at the beginning of the surgery the doctors lacerated his aorta cutting off blood flow to his legs for hours.

They claim the government failed to supervise “the quality of medical, surgical, nursing and health care services” and follow rules for patient safety because a resident surgeon performed the surgery without the necessary supervision.

They are suing for $34.3 million which includes monetary compensation for pain and suffering, physical impairment, loss of earning, mental anguish and disfigurement.  It also seeks monetary compensation for his wife for the loss of relationship, household services and enjoyment of life or loss of capacity to enjoy life.  This is a great challenge to the Feres Doctrine, which does not permit members of the military to sue the government for negligence.