Man Sues Shannon Hospital Over Objects Left in Body After Surgery

Lawsuit alleges medical negligence led to prolonged infection from foreign material left behind.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A Brown County man who suffered a workplace gunshot wound in 2022 has sued Shannon Medical Center, its management company, and three physicians, alleging medical negligence led to a prolonged infection after foreign material was left in his body following surgery to repair bowel damage and treat the wound.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences that can arise from medical errors, such as objects being left behind during surgery, and the importance of proper post-operative care to identify and address any complications. It also raises questions about hospital accountability and patient safety protocols.

The details

According to the lawsuit, on March 11, 2022, Justin Kern was accidentally shot in the left abdomen with a bolt gun while working at a slaughterhouse. He was airlifted to Shannon Medical Center, where surgeon David A. Hockridge, M.D. performed surgery the same day. However, two foreign objects - a piece of yellow apron Kern was wearing and a piece of leather from his belt - allegedly remained in his abdomen after the procedure. A post-surgery X-ray reviewed by radiologist Ross Harper, M.D. on March 16, 2022 failed to identify the material, and follow-up care did not resolve a persistent infection. Kern claims the retained material caused an open wound with pus discharge that lasted more than 20 months until he underwent a second surgery in November 2023 at a San Antonio hospital, where the foreign bodies were finally removed.

  • On March 11, 2022, Kern was accidentally shot in the left abdomen at his workplace.
  • On the same day, Kern was airlifted to Shannon Medical Center where Dr. Hockridge performed surgery.
  • On March 16, 2022, a post-surgery X-ray reviewed by Dr. Harper failed to identify the foreign objects left in Kern's body.
  • Kern suffered a persistent infection for more than 20 months until November 2023, when he underwent a second surgery to remove the objects.

The players

Justin Kern

A Brown County man who suffered a workplace gunshot wound and is suing Shannon Medical Center and several physicians for medical negligence.

David A. Hockridge, M.D.

The surgeon who performed the initial surgery on Kern at Shannon Medical Center.

Ross Harper, M.D.

The radiologist who reviewed the post-surgery X-ray that failed to identify the foreign objects left in Kern's body.

Shannon Medical Center

The hospital where Kern was treated and is now being sued for medical negligence.

Shannon Medical Management

The management company for Shannon Medical Center that is also named in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold medical providers accountable when their negligence leads to serious harm for patients.”

— Justin Kern (San Angelo Live)

What’s next

The case is set for jury trial on April 13, 2026, at 9 a.m. before Judge Brad Goodwin.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of surgical teams following proper protocols to ensure no foreign objects are left behind after procedures, as well as the need for thorough post-operative care and follow-up to identify and address any complications. Patients deserve to receive safe, high-quality medical treatment, and this lawsuit underscores the consequences when that standard of care is not met.