Hospital sued by patient who claims he was exposed to blood from another patient

GRETNA – A Jefferson Parish man is suing a local hospital for allegedly exposing him to another patient’s blood.

Gary Stewart filed suit against Ochsner Medical Center-Kenner LLC and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on May 31.

Stewart claims he had a stroke at his place of work and was transported to Ochsner Medical Center-Kenner where he waited for six hours before being admitted. The plaintiff asserts that a hospital staff member, believed to be a registered nurse, took his blood glucose level with a machine that allegedly had another patient’s blood on it, according to the suit.

Upon noticing the blood the nurse allegedly took the machine away as well Stewart’s sheets that had also been contaminated by the blood, the suit states. The plaintiff claims he was hysterical due to the thought that the blood had contaminated him, according to the suit.

The defendant is accused of using contaminated equipment and causing the plaintiff to suffer great fear of severe injury and damage.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for failing to use non-contaminated equipment, failing to properly take the plaintiff’s blood glucose level, failing to properly treat plaintiff’s condition, contaminating plaintiff’s blood with another patient’s blood, failing to treat the plaintiff in a manner consistent with good medical practice and failing to administer treatment in a manner consistent with community standards.

Stewart is represented by Steven M. Koenig of New Orleans-based Valteau, Harris Koenig & Mayer.

The case has been assigned to Division P Judge Lee V. Faulkner.

Case no. 727-500.