Man loses lawsuit over penis amputation

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A Kentucky jury ruled against a man who sought $16 million over the loss of his penis, agreeing with a doctor who said he found cancer and had to remove it.

Phillip Seaton of Waddy, Ky., had sued Dr. John Patterson for loss of "service, love and affection," arguing he should been consulted before Patterson amputated part of his penis during a circumcision in 2007.

Patterson testified he had trouble inserting a catheter during the procedure and that Seaton's penis was cancerous and "was not recognizable as a penis."

The jury forewoman said she believed Patterson saved Seaton's life, citing expert testimony and the fact Seaton had signed a consent form.

"Everyone felt horrible that he had to have part of his penis removed," Lydia Tapp told WDRB-TV, Louisville. "But he is alive today and can spend time with his family because of it."

Seaton's consent "was always pretty clear," said Patterson's attorney, Clay Robinson.

"The fact that he was authorizing Dr. Patterson to act in the event he found something -- I thought he did that," Robinson said.

Tapp said the case revolved around the question of the role of doctor and patient.

"Hopefully people will learn from this that you need to read the consent form."