CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) — A Coastal Carolina University sprinter’s track career was derailed after a botched medical procedure left with a torn knee tendon in 2023, a newly filed lawsuit claims.
Zahria Jones, who in 2019 set high school state records in both the 4×100 and 4×400-meter relays, is suing CCU, Carolina Clinic of Chiropractic and its doctor Gregory Shirley for negligence and medical malpractice.
Her suit was filed on Jan. 9 in Horry County Common Pleas Court.
Jones was attending CCU on a scholarship when on Jan. 16, 2023, she visited Shirley and underwent a Diversified alignment technique on a portion of her spine, sacrum and pelvis.
A National Board of Chiropractic Examiners report found that 96% of providers use the method in their practice, with 71.5% all patients being treated using the Diversified technique.
Jones also had an extremity adjustment performed on her right knee, which is where the problems began, according to her suit.
“After the extremity adjustment to her right knee, the plaintiff immediately began experiencing discomfort, after which Dr. Shirley attempted another extremity adjustment to her right knee, subsequently causing the plaintiff excruciating pain,” the complaint says. “The plaintiff did not request an extremity adjustment to her right knee during this
visit.”
Shirley’s actions led to a torn quadriceps and maltracked kneecap, according to Jones’ suit.
In addition to racking up medical costs of more than $5,600, the medical work ended her track-and-field career, a court filing says.
Jones, a Simpsonville native, competed in seven meets during her 2022 outdoor freshman season, finishing 28th overall at the 100 and 200-meter races during the Sun Belt Conference championships.
CCU has said in the past it doesn’t comment on pending litigation.
