In a stunning display of resilience and determination, a young Alberta woman, affectionately known as KB, has become a beacon of hope after receiving a monumental $17 million settlement in a medical malpractice lawsuit. This landmark decision is one of the largest of its kind in Canadian history.

KB's journey began on February 19, 2011, when a fever and severe breathing difficulties landed her in the emergency room in Grande Prairie. While the initial steps taken by her physician, including ordering blood cultures and a chest X-ray, seemed appropriate, a catastrophic oversight followed.

Despite being hospitalized, a severe bacterial infection went untreated, unleashing a relentless wave of sepsis. Tragically, weeks later, on March 28, 2011, surgeons at Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton were forced to perform life-saving amputations that would alter her life forever—removing her left leg below the knee, her right leg above the knee, her right hand, and four fingers from her left hand.

Despite these immense challenges, KB has shown remarkable fortitude. Now a vibrant teen, her story transcends mere tragedy; it serves as both inspiration and a cautionary tale for the medical community.

The Alberta Court of Kings Bench, in the case of KB v Guhle, found significant breaches of the standard of care by her doctor. Key failures included the lack of timely antibiotics for her bacterial bronchopneumonia and the negligence in addressing abnormal test results. Attorney Stacy Koumarelas from Neinstein Law emphasized that KB will live with the consequences of those missed opportunities for the rest of her life.

KB’s case shines a spotlight on the critical importance of vigilance and accountability in healthcare, urging professionals everywhere to learn from her traumatic experience. As she continues to smile brightly, donning her beloved Oilers gear, KB remains a powerful symbol of strength and perseverance against all odds.