Harahan nursing home sued after wheelchair accident resulted in amputation, subsequent death

GRETNA –  A Jefferson Parish woman is suing a nursing home claiming a wheelchair accident allegedly resulted in her mother's leg being amputated and ultimately her death.

Donna Linam, individually and on behalf of the estate of Maryellen Poirson, filed suit against St. Joseph of Harahan, LLC and Harahan Healthcare Properties, LLC  in the 24th Judicial District Court on Dec. 11.

Linam claims her mother, the late Maryellen Poirson, was a resident at St. Joseph of Harahan when she was being pushed in a wheelchair by an attendant and her left foot was caught under one the wheels. The suit claims she was dragged underneath the chair and broke her leg. The plaintiff alleges the broken leg was so severe that it had to be amputated above the knee and that subsequent bed rest and bed sores ultimately led to her death.

The defendant is accused of failing to provide the deceased with proper foot rests, failing to train its employees in how to appropriately roll residents in a wheelchair and allowing wheelchairs without foot rests to be used, failing to take necessary precautions under the circumstances and vicarious liability.

An unspecified amount of damages is sought for wrongful death, premorbid pain, suffering, mental anguish, disability and fright and fear of impending death.

Linam is represented by attorney R. Justin Garon of New Orleans.

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

Case no. 721-904.