Clinic sued for releasing patient who could not properly walk and fell leaving facility

GRETNA – A Jefferson Parish woman is suing a local medical clinic for allegedly neglecting her care after a procedure which led to injuries from a fall while leaving the clinic.

Wanda Perez filed suit against Culicchia Neurological Clinic and Dr. Stephen A. Rynick in the 24th Judicial District Court on June 14.

Perez claims she was referred to Rynick by another doctor to be evaluated for lower back pain. The plaintiff alleges that while under the defendants’ care she was diagnosed with herniated disc and received steroid injections.

Perez asserts that following the injection procedure she was discharged from the clinic at which time her right leg gave out and she fell to the floor. The plaintiff claims she was found on the floor by clinic staff who assisted her into a chair.

According to the suit, she was found to have suffered a contusion and bleeding before she was transported to a local hospital. Perez asserts that it was later found that she had suffered a rotator cuff tear and a partial biceps tendon tear.

The defendant is accused of failing to adhere to established post-procedure recovery room protocols, failing to give proper instructions to the plaintiff and her designated driver, failing to properly chart and report the incident and negligence.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for hospitalization, surgical intervention and medical expenses.

Perez is represented by V. Ross Cicardo of Lafayette-based Cicardo Law Office LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division B Judge Cornelius E. Regan.

Case no. 728-040.