Woman sues doctor and hospital for allegedly misdiagnosing her non-Hodgkins lymphoma

GRETNA – A Jefferson Parish woman is suing a local hospital and one of their doctors for not timely diagnosing her cancer.

Tiffany Angel Lopez filed suit against Alton Ochsner Foundation and Dr. Amanda C. Fontenotin the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 5.

Lopez claims in 2008 she suffered from occasional chest pains for three months including burning in her chest, especially at night. The plaintiff alleges she visited Fontenot complaining of a severely sore throat as if something were stuck in it. Lopez asserts that her condition worsened when she began getting headaches and that she attempted to set up another appointment with Fontenot.

The plaintiff claims she made an appointment with another doctor who correctly diagnosed her with a large mass in her right neck from non-Hodgkins lymphoma that required surgery for removal. Lopez alleges that her diagnosis was delayed four to five months because of Fontenot’s misdiagnosis.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for exemplary damages, attorney’s fees and legal costs.

Lopez is represented by attorney Jack H. Tobias of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division J Judge Jo Ellen Grant.

Case no. 723-596.