Dialysis patient sues claiming employee wanted to pick a fight

NEW ORLEANS – A New Orleans woman is suing a national dialysis center for injuries she claims she received from another patient while being treated.

Lena Brown filed suit on March 8 against DaVita Fleur De Lis Dialysis Center and its insurer in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court.

Brown claims she was visiting the center for dialysis treatment when she was assaulted by an employee. The plaintiff alleges the unknown employee acted as if she were going to pull the dialysis needles out of Brown's arms and pushed down on her feet to try and make her stand up so the two could fight.

Brown asserts she sustained psychological injuries due to the incident and has received extensive medical treatment for the injuries.

The defendant is accused of failing to maintain a safe business environment, failing to properly train or supervise employees, failing to exercise due care and failing to act as a prudent and reasonable treatment facility.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for mental anguish, emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of pursuit of happiness, loss of enjoyment of life and medical and pharmaceutical expenses.

Brown is being represented by Michael J. Harris of New Orleans-based Law Offices of Pius A. Obioha and Associates, LLC.

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

Case number 2012-02388