Brent P. Frederick
BATON ROUGE – An East Baton Rouge widow filed a malpractice and wrongful death suit against a Baton Rouge neurosurgeon after he allegedly caused permanent brain damage to her husband when he was a patient.
Michelle Haynes, on behalf of the estate of her husband Marvin, filed suit against Dr. Gary Dennis in the 19th Judicial Court on Oct. 12.
On June 25, 2009, Marvin Haynes underwent brain surgery with Dennis, the neurosurgeon, to remove a tumor on his pituitary gland. The plaintiff claims the defendant removed parts of the tumor very near to Haynes' brain stem, which presented an unreasonable risk of traumatic injury to Haynes' brain stem.
The plaintiff asserts Haynes woke up with rather profound neurological deficits caused by negligence of the defendant. The plaintiffs state that peer-reviewed medical literature states the purpose of the pituitary resection is decompression and leaving parts of the tumor behind is the safe and accepted method if removal can potentially cause an insult to the brain stem. The plaintiff also claims the death of her husband, Marvin, was caused by a breach of the standard of care of the defendant.
The defendant is accused of negligence and breach of the standard of care and causing severe brain damage as a result of the surgery.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for Marvin for physical pain and suffering, emotional and mental anguish, severe neurological deficits, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages and medical expenses.
Michelle is suing for emotional and mental anguish, loss of companionship and affection of her husband and loss of support.
Haynes is represented by Brent P. Frederick of Baton Rouge-based Dodson, Hooks and Frederick.
The case has been assigned to Division F Judge Timothy Kelley.
Case no. 616175.