Lawsuit filed by Bell Law Firm Alleges Delayed Stroke Care at St. Francis-Emory Left Columbus Woman Permanently Disabled

Complaint alleges delayed diagnosis and transfer left a Muscogee County School District employee with permanent disabilities

ATLANTA, Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bell Law Firm has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against St. Francis – Emory Healthcare and other defendants on behalf of Tammy and Michael Carnley. The lawsuit alleges that delayed stroke diagnosis and treatment left Tammy with permanent paralysis, profound language impairment, and the need for lifetime care.

Filed in September 2026, the complaint states that Tammy arrived at St. Francis at approximately 6:36 a.m. and reached Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Hospital at approximately 2:22 p.m., nearly eight hours later. The complaint alleges that timely diagnosis and transfer would have allowed treatment while brain tissue remained salvageable and would have substantially reduced her permanent injuries.

"Tammy arrived at the hospital with severe neurological symptoms that demanded an immediate stroke response," said Lloyd Bell, founding partner of Bell Law Firm. "We believe evidence will show that critical delays cost her the chance to preserve brain function and live independently."

Tammy, then 47 and employed by the Muscogee County School District, arrived by ambulance on October 7, 2024, with right-sided paralysis, facial droop, and an inability to speak or understand language. The complaint identifies failures across her care, including delayed vascular imaging and neurological consultation, an initial head CT incorrectly reported as normal, and nursing staff's failure to activate a stroke alert or escalate concerns.

According to the complaint, around midday, a neurologist recommended transfer for mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure to remove the clot blocking blood flow to Tammy's brain. By the time she reached Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Hospital at approximately 2:22 p.m., imaging showed that the stroke had progressed too far for the procedure. The complaint states that Tammy subsequently required emergency surgery to relieve brain swelling, a tracheostomy, and a feeding tube.

"Tammy and Michael deserve answers and accountability," Bell said. "We are seeking compensation for the lasting harm they have suffered and the care Tammy will need throughout her life."

The full complaint can be accessed here. For more information about Bell Law Firm's work representing victims of medical malpractice, including several cases against St. Francis, visit www.belllawfirm.com.

About Bell Law Firm
Founded in 1999 by Lloyd Bell, Bell Law Firm represents clients and families in medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases throughout Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients harmed by medical negligence, including a $75 million verdict, the largest in Georgia history; a $26 million verdict against a Columbus hospital; and a $15 million verdict against the largest healthcare provider in Georgia. Bell Law Firm has also been recognized by The Daily Report as "Personal Injury Litigation Team of the Year" and "Most Innovative Law Firm." Lloyd Bell is the only Georgia attorney in the Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only group of 100 leading plaintiff trial lawyers in the United States. For more information, visit www.belllawfirm.com or listen to Lloyd's podcast, Face the Jury.

Media Contact:
Lauren Watt
Trevelino/Keller
lwatt@trevelinokeller.com

SOURCE Bell Law Firm