Death of patient following liposuction at center of legal malpractice lawsuit

GRETNA – A law firm is being sued by one of its clients for allegedly providing improper representation during a medial malpractice case.

Jowanna Douglas filed suit against Gaudin & Gaudin, a professional law corporation, Hilary G. Gaudin and Priscilla M. Schwartz in the 24th Judicial District Court on Oct. 31.

Douglas claims that on Oct. 29, 2010 she retained the services of Gaudin & Gaudin to represent her in a wrongful death lawsuit concerning the death of her mother Francine Allen Reynolds following liposuction. The plaintiff asserts that on Nov. 3 and Nov. 30, 2010 Hilary G. Gaudin sent two nearly identical letters to the Division of Administration of the State of Louisiana requesting a medical review panel be convened in her mother’s case. Douglas alleges that on May 16, 2013 the medical review panel released an opinion supporting the health providers who assisted in the liposuction.

The plaintiff claims that Gaudin’s letters did not conform to statutory requirements by failing to properly identify Douglas as an individual claimant, failing to describe allegations of malpractice and failing to provide a brief description of the injuries suffered by the plaintiff. In addition, Douglas alleges that Gaudin failed to present evidence of lidocaine toxicity as a cause of death for her mother.

The defendant is accused of legal malpractice.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for loss of companionship, loss of affection, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, funeral expenses and fear of death.

Douglas is represented by attorney Thomas B. Calvert of Metairie.

The case has been assigned to Division F Judge Michael P. Mentz.

Case no. 732-523.