Shocking details that surround a lawsuit involving an Edmonton woman who suffered a massive stroke five years ago have come to light – revealing some concerning information about a local chiropractor.
These days, Sandra Nette is still recovering from her massive stroke – she’s already overcome major obstacles.
She can now take small steps and talk with her husband – both are massive accomplishments.
It’s a completely different picture than four years ago – when she became paralyzed and disabled after suffering a massive stroke.
The feeling of being trapped inside her own body continues to haunt her to this day.
“I was scared, really scared,” Nette said. “I felt all alone, even though I wasn’t.”
Her husband, David, described the experience as ‘a living hell’.
The couple believes the stroke was triggered by a neck adjustment she was given by her chiropractor, Gregory Stiles.
Nette said she was never warned of the risks before the adjustment – and the family filed a lawsuit against Stiles.
Court documents obtained by CTV revealed a number of shocking details on the man at the centre of the lawsuit.
Stiles admitted to lawyers that he forged Nette’s consent form, after she suffered the stroke.
Concerns were also raised that Stiles may have altered some of Nette’s charts.
“Our agreement with the CCPA (the Canadian Chiropractic Protective Association), the Nette’s, you know, everybody involved in it,” Stiles said in a phone interview with CTV News. “There is a confidentiality that we’re not allowed to speak about it to anybody.”
CTV News has also learned Stiles’ license to practice was recently suspended for 90 days, by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors.
“Certainly, altering a patient’s file is contrary to the status of practice of the Alberta College and Assocaition of Chiroppractors,” ACAC Registrar Dr. Brian Gushaty said in a phone interview.
CTV News has learned Stiles has been telling his clients that he isn’t able to practice, because of a shoulder injury.
Stiles is also not a member of the Canadian Chiropractic Protective Association – an organization that provides liability protection.
However, a lawyer for the CCPA told CTV News they could not discuss the reasons Stiles is no longer a member, citing confidentiality issues.
Stiles said he’s since sought liability protection elsewhere – and he plans to practice again.
After 90 days, he will be eligible to renew his practice permit through the ACAC – the association said they weren’t sure if he would try to reactivate his membership.
The Nette’s could not share details of the case, due to the confidentiality agreement – but CTV News has learned that the judgments in the case have been satisfied, which means the case is closed.
Court documents show the couple had asked for compensation of more than $5 million.
Now, the couple is working on moving on from their ordeal.
“It’s so good to have my wife back,” David Nette said.
The couple is focusing on enjoying life and making travel plans.
“You can be depressed, or you can turn it around, see the positive in it,” Sandra Nette said. “And I have!”
With files from Carmen Leibel
