Delayed breast cancer diagnosis results in suit

A woman is suing a New Orleans health clinic along with six other defendants, including the State of Louisiana, claiming the diagnosis of her breast cancer was delayed for nine months.

Sheila Honore filed suit in Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Dec. 13 against St. Thomas Community Health Center, Dr. Mary Abdell, Louisiana State University, Dr. Jane Clayton, LSU School of Public Health, the Louisiana Department of Public Health and the State of Louisiana after diagnosis of her breast cancer was delayed.

Honore claims she received many examinations between March of 2010 when she complained of a lump and December 2010 when she was ultimately diagnosed with cancer. Honore eventually underwent a partial mastectomy to treat the cancer, which she claims progressed over the time when she first noticed the lump and when doctors ultimately diagnosed it as cancer.

The defendant is accused of negligence for not properly diagnosing and treating the plaintiff's cancer in a timely manner, not following up on complaints of lumps, failing to take appropriate steps to diagnose and failing to engage in correct medical procedures.

An unspecified amount in damages is requested to cover disability, pain and suffering, loss of earnings, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement and medical expenses.

Honore is being represented by Allan Berger of New Orleans-based Allan Berger and Associates.

The case has been assigned to Division L Judge Kern A. Reese.

Case number 2011-12852