Man Sues Shannon Hospital Over Objects Left in Body After Surgery

SAN ANGELO, TX — 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. 

Justin Kern filed the lawsuit in March 2024 in the 391st District Court. He accuses surgeon David A. Hockridge, M.D.; radiologist Ross Harper, M.D.; intake physician James Vretis, D.O.; Hockridge’s professional limited liability company; Shannon Medical Center; and Shannon Medical Management of negligence. 

Kern alleges that on March 11, 2022, he was accidentally shot in the left abdomen with a bolt gun while working at a slaughterhouse. He was airlifted to Shannon Medical Center, where Hockridge performed surgery the same day to repair bowel damage and treat the wound. 

According to the petition, two foreign objects — a piece of yellow apron Kern was wearing and a piece of leather from his belt — remained in his abdomen after the procedure. A post-surgery X-ray reviewed by Harper on March 16, 2022, allegedly 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. He underwent a second surgery in November 2023 at a San Antonio hospital, where the foreign bodies were removed. 

In their April 2024 answer, the defendants denied all allegations, moved to abate the case for failure to provide statutory pre-suit notice and medical authorization required under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 74, and filed special exceptions challenging the petition’s specificity and certain claims, including vicarious liability against the Shannon entities. 

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