NEW ORLEANS – A New Orleans doctor has been named as the lead defendant in a wrongful death suit filed by the widow of a man who was treated for severe injuries that occurred in an accident.
Shirley Rondeno filed suit against Dr. Jonathan Yun-How Lee and others, including a few hospitals and a number of other medical professionals for a total of 14 defendants in all.
In the suit filed in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on July 5, Rondeno claims her husband Ray Rondeno Sr. was transported to the hospital in 2009 for a catastrophic injury that resulted in the amputation of his lower legs.
While in the hospital Rondeno alleges her husband had numerous heart attacks and problems with his lungs. Despite showing signs of lung injury the plaintiff asserts her husband never received a pulmonary consult.
Rondeno alleges undiagnosed and untreated lung contusions resulted in her husband's heart beating at a 25 percent slower rate than usual, which resulted in enlargement of the organ and eventual heart failure. In addition, the defendants are accused of making the respiratory problem worse by introducing a potent narcotic known to be a respiratory depressant to the patient that was meant to provide pain relief.
The defendant is accused of negligence, improper diagnosis and treatment and improper administering of medications.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical expenses, life care expenses, loss of earnings, physical and emotional pain and suffering, loss of ability to enjoy life's pleasures, loss of life, loss of consortium, loss of pension entitlements and punitive damages.
Rondeno is represented by Richard R. Rondeno of Houston, Texas.
The case has been assigned to Division I Judge Piper D. Griffin.
Case no. 2012-06477