Behavioral health center sued for wrongful death

NEW ORLEANS – A New Orleans woman is suing the employer of mental health professionals for the wrongful death of her mother.

Jamie Broussard filed suit on March 1 in Orleans Parish Civil District Court against Seaside Behavioral Center and Seaside Healthcare.

Broussard claims her deceased mother Diane Turner suffered from schizophrenia, was insulin dependent and suffered for other physical diseases and disorders and was under the care of doctors employed by Seaside Behavioral Center

The plaintiff alleges her mother was judicially committed to the care of Jefferson Healthcare for a few months before being released by Seaside Healthcare to a caregiver in a residential home. Less than two days after being released to the residential home Turner was found to have been administered a large dose of insulin, which the plaintiff claims led to a vegetative state and subsequently her death.

Broussard claims doctors employed by Seaside should have known the residential home was totally unqualified to provide the care needed by the plaintiff's mother.

The defendants are accused of approving the transfer from Jefferson Healthcare, failing to investigate the residential home and its operator, not consulting with healthcare providers on the suitability of the residential home, not obtaining informed consent from Turner's family, not properly assessing the patient for discharge, not ensuring the continued the care and treatment of the patient, not recommending discharge to suitable health care facility, not informing the operator of the residential home of the extent of Turner's condition and needs and not providing sufficient supervision of their employee's actions.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for wrongful death, survival damages for Turner's vegetative state, medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of chance of survival, fear of impending death, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life and pain and suffering.

Broussard is being represented by Metairie-based attorney Joseph S. Piacun.

Case number 2012-02059 has been assigned to Division M Judge Paulette R. Irons.