Florida Doctor Charged with Manslaughter After Patient's Death

Physician accused of removing wrong organ during surgery, leading to patient's death

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:05pm

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An extreme close-up of a surgical instrument, such as a scalpel or forceps, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the serious nature of a medical error.A surgical mishap with tragic consequences exposes the need for greater accountability in the medical profession.Miramar Today

A grand jury in Walton County, Florida has indicted Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky on a charge of second-degree manslaughter following the death of a 70-year-old patient from Alabama during a scheduled laparoscopic splenectomy procedure in August 2024. Authorities allege that Shaknovsky removed the patient's liver instead of the spleen, resulting in catastrophic blood loss and the patient's death on the operating table.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences that can result from medical errors and negligence, as well as the importance of accountability and transparency in the healthcare system. The victim's family had previously filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Shaknovsky, and the grand jury found his actions in the operating room constituted criminal conduct under Florida law.

The details

According to the State Attorney's Office, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky was performing a scheduled laparoscopic splenectomy on a 70-year-old man from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. However, Shaknovsky allegedly removed the man's liver instead of his spleen, leading to a catastrophic blood loss and the patient's death on the operating table.

  • In August 2024, Shaknovsky was performing the scheduled laparoscopic splenectomy procedure.
  • The patient died on the operating table during the procedure.
  • In January 2025, the victim's family filed a lawsuit against Shaknovsky for medical malpractice.
  • On Monday, April 14, 2026, a grand jury indicted Shaknovsky on a charge of second-degree manslaughter.

The players

Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky

A physician who was charged with second-degree manslaughter following the death of a patient during a surgical procedure.

The Victim

A 70-year-old man from Muscle Shoals, Alabama who died on the operating table during a scheduled laparoscopic splenectomy procedure performed by Dr. Shaknovsky.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold medical professionals accountable when their actions result in the loss of life.”

— State Attorney's Office

What’s next

Shaknovsky is currently being held in the Walton County Jail and is awaiting his first court appearance.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical importance of medical professionals maintaining the highest standards of care and attention to detail, as well as the need for robust oversight and accountability measures within the healthcare system to protect patient safety.