Home health agency sued for allegedly leaving gauze in patient’s bed sore

GRETNA – A home health agency is being sued by a patient who claims a home health agency left gauze in a bed sore resulting in an infection that required surgical intervention.

Quinsonna Lucas filed suit against Ameracare Home Health and Hospice and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on Jan. 30.

Lucas asserts that she was a patient of Ameracare Home Health and Hospice in December 2013 who were entrusted with treating her for severe bed sores that had developed into open wounds. As part of her treatment the plaintiff claims the defendants’ medical staff were to clean, pack and dress her wounds. However, Lucas alleges that while under treatment by Ameracare Home Health and Hospice her bed sores began to get worse and became infected, which resulted in her being hospitalized.

The plaintiff contends that when she was receiving surgical treatment in the hospital it was discovered that her infection was related to a piece of gauze that had been left inside her wound.

The defendants are accused of medical malpractice.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering.

Lucas is represented by Michael J. Hall of New Orleans-based Law Office of Michael J. Hall LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division N Judge Stephen D. Enright Jr.

Case no. 746-321.