Joshua E. Gertler
GRETNA – A New Orleans man is suing a Jefferson Parish chiropractor for injuries he allegedly received during medical treatment.
Joseph I. Anderson filed suit against Dr. Kim T. Hoang, D.C. in the 24th Judicial District Court on July 26. Anderson claims he underwent chiropractic treatment for pain and weakness in both his hands and legs after Hoang found in an x-ray that he had a very slight body rotation contributing to the weakness.
The plaintiff alleges that he was not suffering from neck stiffness or headaches, but the defendant included approximately 30 cervical manipulations several times per week in his treatment that comprised of quick thrusts to forcibly rotate the plaintiff's head. Anderson asserts that he began to feel stiffness and pain in his neck and then following the last session he began to experience coordination issues, loss of feeling on the left side of his body and severe headaches.
After visiting a local hospital the plaintiff was found to have suffered a dissected carotid artery and a subsequent stroke due to the dissection. Anderson's doctor indicated Hoang's cervical thrusts had likely led to the damage.
The defendant is accused of failing to obtain proper informed consent for cervical manipulations and negligent screening and treatment that breached the appropriate standard of care.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for debilitating defects, severe mental fatigue, short term memory loss, concentration problems, loss of occupation and martial strain.
Anderson is represented by New Orleans-based attorney Joshua E. Gertler.
The case has been assigned to Division L Judge Donald A. Rowan.
Case no. 717-517.