Lawsuit brought against Tulane Medical Center for woman's paralysis

NEW ORLEANS – A woman is suing Tulane Medical Center for treatment she claims resulted in her quadriplegia.

Ella Hayes and her husband James Hayes filed suit on Jan. 17 in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court against Tulane University Hospital and Clinic and its parent the Hospital Corporation of America.

Hayes claims she was transferred out of the intensive care unit too quickly after receiving back and neck surgery and that complications resulting from the surgery left her paralyzed.

The plaintiff claims her daughter had to alert physicians to the complications before the defendants performed surgery to combat internal bleeding. Hayes claims she is now forced to live in a long-term care facility following the incident. The defendants are alleged to have caused the bleeding, failed to observe and respond to the plaintiff's worsening condition and failed to follow doctor's orders.

An unspecified amount in damages is being sought for medical bills, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, inconvenience, embarrassment and permanent disability.

Hayes is being represented by Madisonville attorney James A. Cazalot.

The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Tiffany G. Chase.

Case number 2012-00479