Ochsner sued by woman for alleged misdiagnosis of hearing loss

GRETNA – A New Orleans woman is suing a local hospital for the alleged misdiagnosis of her hearing loss.

Susan Harvin Smith filed suit against Ochsner Clinic, Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, Christina J. Yang M.D. and Keith Kreutziger M.D. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Jan. 18.

Smith claims she visited the emergency room at Ochsner Hospital in Jefferson complaining of acute hearing loss, facial numbness and severe pain. The plaintiff alleges she was initially diagnosed with cranial nerve deficit and hearing loss and underwent several tests. Smith asserts although she was diagnosed twice with sensorincural hearing loss she was referred to the ear, mouth, nose and throat unit where defendant doctors Kreutziger and Yang falsely diagnosed her with rhinitis and later discharged her. The plaintiff alleges due to the defendant's actions she has suffered permanent injuries.

The defendant is accused of medical malpractice, failing to enforce its policies for written orders for testing, failing to properly enforce proper and adequate procedures in communicating with physicians, failing to properly adequately supervise resident physicians, failing to have in place proper patient review prior to discharge and failing to supervise hospital employees to ensure they followed appropriate diagnostic techniques.

An unspecified amount of damages is sought for medical expenses, emotional distress, mental anguish, physical pain and suffering, loss of life's pleasures and enjoyments and knowledge that the plaintiff was receiving medical care that was threatening.

Smith is represented by Bruce C. Betzer of Metairie-based The Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer.

The case has been assigned to Division I Judge Nancy A. Miller.

Case no. 722-060.