GRETNA – A woman who underwent a biopsy of her thyroid is suing the hospital where the procedure was done after they allegedly lost the specimen and had to undergo a second procedure.
Barbara Phillips filed suit against Ochsner Clinic, a Professional Corporation in the 24th Judicial District Court on Aug. 1.
Phillips claims she went to Ochsner Clinic on Sept. 26, 2011 for a thyroid procedure. The plaintiff alleges that during the procedure part of her thyroid was removed to determine if it was cancerous, but the specimen was lost and she had to undergo a subsequent surgery to remove more of her thyroid. Phillips asserts that someone mislabeled the first specimen and through inadequate supervision it was lost.
The defendant is accused of failing to adequately retain specimen in safe keeping, negligent supervision of patient specimen, failing to ensure the safety of patients and failing to ensure the well being of patient.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for emotional distress, loss of service and society, mental anguish, pain and suffering and inconvenience.
Phillips is represented by Robert B. Evans II of New Orleans-based Burgos & Evans LLC.
The case has been assigned to Division C Judge June Berry Darensburg.
Case no. 729-510.
Hospital accused of losing woman’s biopsy specimen, necessitating a second biopsy
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