Patient sues hospital after being 'severely affected with insect bites'

A lawsuit filed in Orleans Parish Civil District Court claims a patient at Touro Infirmary Hospital was subject to a hospital bed which was "surrounded and infested with insects."

New Orleans attorney John Sileo filed the lawsuit on behalf of Orleans resident Joseph Cayou on May 13.

The lawsuit claims the insects "were swarming around the garbage cans which were overflowing with trash."

In the course of Cayou's stay at Touro, he was "severely affected with insect bite," the suit states.

After taking note of the insects, the plaintiff was moved "to a number of subsequent rooms. Each of the subsequent rooms was also infested with bugs," the suit states.

Cayou lists permanent disability, mental anguish and "all other damages allowed by law."

The lawsuit claims Touro and the nurses that took care of Cayou are liable for failing to keep a safe environment for their patients, among other charges.

Orleans Parish Judge Sidney Cates IV has been assigned this case.

Orleans Parish Case 2011-5115