Doctor sued for allegedly damaging woman's vocal cords

NEW ORLEANS – A woman is suing a Jefferson parish doctor for alleged malpractice.

Catherine Gomez filed suit on March 5 against Michael Hickman, M.D., Ochsner Medical Center-Kenner and GE Healthcare Strategic Sourcing Corporation in Orleans Parish Civil District Court. Gomez claims she was a patient of Dr. Hickman's and underwent a thyroidectomy. The plaintiff alleges during the procedure her vocal cords were negligently and inappropriately damaged by the surgeon.

The defendant is accused of failing to provide proper medical care, failing to ensure proper recovery following surgery, failing to perform proper medical procedure, failing to manipulate surgical instruments correctly, failing to properly monitor patient, failing to provide proper monitoring equipment and failing to maintain proper consent from patient.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, emotional pain and suffering, medical and home health costs, loss of wages, loss of chance, scarring and disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life.

Gomez is being represented by Timothy J. Young of New Orleans-based the Young Firm.

The case has been assigned to Division C Judge Sidney H. Cates, IV.

Case number 2012-02197