Manufacturer of medicine and group of doctors sued by patient who received allegedly contaminated injection

GRETNA – A woman who claims her arm was severely infected and needed surgery after she received a contaminated injection is suing a healthcare provider and the producer of the medication.

Michelle Ellzey filed suit against Dr. James Patterson, Dr. Jorge Contreras, an unknown doctor, Pelican State Outpatient Center and Main Street Family Pharmacy in the 24th Judicial District Court on Dec. 26.

Ellzey asserts that on Dec. 26, 2012 she went to the Pelican State Outpatient Center located in Harahan with complaints of body aches, tiredness, cough and nasal congestion and was seen by Patterson who diagnosed her with an upper respiratory infection. The plaintiff alleges that an unknown employee of Pelican State Outpatient Center injected her with what was thought to be DepoMedrol a drug that was manufactured by Main Street Pharmacy. Ellzey claims that on July 19, 2013 she received a letter informing her that the drug that she injected was recalled due to contamination.

The plaintiff asserts that after receiving the injection the puncture hole from the needle became swollen and she began to experience pain in the area. Ellzey alleges that upon examination of the area Contreras advised her that the pain was normal and that he did not believe she was in any danger because the skin was not discolored and she did not have a fever. On Oct. 1, 2013, the plaintiff claims what she thought was a tumor was found in the area of the injection and that when a surgeon removed the growth it was found to be an infectious mass that was a result of the contaminated injection.

The defendant is accused of product liability and medical malpractice.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, humiliation, embarrassment, fear, worry, concern and medical expenses.

Ellzey is represented by attorney Nicole F. Burdett of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Raymond S. Steib Jr.

Case no. 734-101.