Very possible
Too many times people see $$ signs before their eyes when they even THINK a doctor has made a misstep. My philosophy is that, unless they've done something egregious, either intentionally or because of gross incompetence, no doctor should be sued. They're human. They can make mistakes. It's the kind and the end result of the mistake that should determine suits. Someone is paralyzed because a doctor's hand slipped after a night out drinking, sue the bastard. If someone is paralyzed because the surgery is risky and all risks explained, then you rolls the dice and takes your chances.