Liposuction patient sues doctor claiming medical malpractice

GRETNA – A patient who underwent laser liposuction is sung her doctor and his clinic for allegedly not properly diagnosing a potentially fatal and debilitating condition she suffered the day of the surgery.

Katherine R. Tattersall filed suit against Dr. Len Derouen, Skin Care Laser Center LLC and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on Dec. 17.

Tattersall contends that over the years she underwent medical procedures conducted by Derouen and Skin Care Laser Center and that Derouen made several home visits for check ups and care after medical procedures were performed. The plaintiff asserts that on July 17, 2014 she underwent the completion of a laser liposuction surgery that had been performed in her a year and half before. Tattersall claims that the day of the procedure she complained of pain before surgery that only got worse afterward for which she was given Demerol.

However, the plaintiff alleges that the pain got so bad and she started struggling to breathe and decided to visit the emergency room at Ochsner Medical Center where it was determined she was suffering from a pulmonary embolism, which doctors told her she was lucky to have survived. Tattersall contends that she has suffered from post-surgical complications due to the medical procedure undertaken by Derouen.

The defendant is accused of medical malpractice.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for loss of income, medical bills, emotional pain and suffering and physical pain and suffering.

Tattersall is represented by Charles R. Ward of Covington-based Livaccari Villarrubia Lemmon.

The case has been assigned to Division C Judge June Berry Darensburg.

Case no. 745-204.