West Jefferson Medical Center
GRETNA – The family of a deceased is suing a local hospital and its medical staff who they allege contributed to her death following minor heart surgery.
Carl Gregory Theriot, Trace Theriot and Joshua Brenckle filed suit against West Jefferson Medical Center, Bruce Torrence, M.D., Malachi Sheahn, M.D. and Janie C. Williamson, R.N. in the 24th Judicial District Court on June 14.
The plaintiffs are the survivors of Syndi Theriot who was admitted to West Jefferson for an out-patient procedure meant to improve blood flow to her heart. The plaintiffs claim that despite Ms. Theriot's request that Dr. Sheahn perform and supervise her procedure Dr. Torrence, a resident at the hospital, performed and supervised the procedure.
The plaintiffs allege that three distinct complications arose during and after the surgery including the wrong size stint at first being implanted before being removed and the correct size being put in, a severe allergic reaction by Ms. Theriot to a intravenous flush administered by hospital staff and the staff feeding her a regular diet following the procedure, despite her being a vegetarian, causing her to choke.
The plaintiffs claim that post-operatively Ms. Theriot reported hearing a "pop" noise in the area of the procedure, which resulted in increasing pain and that the defendants did not realize the "pop" noise was a likely hemorrhage.
The defendants are accused of returning Ms. Theriot to home care despite her showing the signs of an active hemorrhage. After being home for three hours the plaintiffs assert Ms. Theriot was returned to the hospital in worsening condition upon which time she was diagnosed with hemorrhage shock. As a result, the plaintiffs allege Ms. Theriot suffered a stroke, multiple organ failure, hemorrhagic anemia and died an agonizing death.
The defendants accused of breaching the standard of care expected by medical professionals.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for for the death of Syndi Theriot.
The plaintiffs are represented by New Orleans-based attorney Robert G. Harvey.
The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Raymond S. Steib, Jr.
Case number 715-954.