Pregnant woman claims she suffered nerve damage during blood draw

NEW ORLEANS – A St. Tammany Parish woman has filed a lawsuit claiming she suffered nerve damage during a blood draw while she was pregnant.

Jennifer Rist Thompson filed suit against Laboratory Corp. of America on July 24 in St. Tammany Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on Aug. 27.

In connection with her pregnancy, Thompson had blood drawn at one of defendant’s facilities on Aug. 22, 2012. During the drawing of blood, an employee of defendant struck a nerve in Thompson’s arm, causing her pain and complications, which included pain, weakness, tingling, and nerve damage, the suit claims.

Thompson argues that LabCorp’s care falls below the applicable standard of care.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to use due care under the circumstance, failure to properly draw blood from a patient, failure to properly render appropriate follow-up care or recommend same after striking a nerve in petitioner’s arm, and negligent administration of medical care.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for pain and suffering, disability and loss of function, mental anguish, medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, interest, court costs, and attorney’s fees.

Thompson is represented by New Orleans attorneys John D. Sileo and Kevin P. Riche.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:13-cv-05584