LOUISIANA RECORD

GRETNA – A St. Bernard Parish man is suing a local hospital for his deceased wife's injuries following an alleged failure by the hospital and its medical professionals to properly conduct a diagnostic test three years prior to her death.

James Lewis, individually and as the beneficiary of the survival action of Audrey Lewis, filed suit against Jefferson Parish Hospital Service District No. 1, Parish of Jefferson State of Louisiana and West Jefferson Medical Center in the 24th Judicial District Court on Nov. 21. Lewis claims that his wife Audrey was admitted to West Jefferson Medical Center due to severely high blood pressure levels.

The plaintiff alleges prior to a CT scan, that allegedly would have revealed problem with her cardiovascular system and heart, the medical professionals performing the scan could not properly insert an dye containing IV into her arm and were thus unable to get a comprehensive idea of what health problems she was having. Lewis asserts that following the botched attempts to insert the IV, his wife had to undergo two surgeries to repair damage done in the process. The plaintiff claims that three years after the operations his wife died of a heart attack and thus could not bring the malpractice action on her own behalf.

The defendant is accused of medical malpractice, negligence for failing to properly place the IV, attempting to place an IV on multiple occasions without proper monitoring and failing to monitor the IV site.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical expenses for the deceased, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of support, loss of love and affection and loss of consortium.

Lewis is represented by Thomas B. Calvert of Metairie-based Thomas B. Calvert, A Professional Law Corporation.

The case has been assigned to Division C Judge June Berry Darensburg.

Case no. 721-367.