Doctor sued by family of man who died from pneumonia

GRETNA – The family of a man who died after he was diagnosed with pneumonia is suing his doctor for medical malpractice.

Kim Dung, Vu Nguyen, Maria Brenda Kim Nguyen and Angela Kim Nguyen, individually and on behalf of Tony Nguyen, filed suit against Dr. Quang The Vu in the 24th Judicial District Court on Jan. 10.

The plaintiffs claim that Dr. Vu began treating Tony Nguyen on April 16, 2009 and was aware of his diabetes. On May 11, 2009 Nguyen reportedly came to see the defendant with symptoms of pneumonia and Nguyen was directed to take medicine and go to a local hospital for a chest x-ray the results of which he allegedly read the same day. Despite reading the x-ray results that showed signs consistent with pneumonia diagnosis, Nguyen’s family claims no further tests were ordered by Dr. Vu and that when Nguyen appeared at his office the same day complaining of worsening symptoms he was not allowed to see the doctor and was told to go home, rest and drink plenty of water and that he should be better in two weeks time. The plaintiffs assert that later the same day Nguyen died at his home of bilateral pneumonia.

The defendant is accused of medical malpractice for not directly admitting the patient to the hospital, not triggering a more aggressive treatment approach and not affording the patient an opportunity to undergo a more aggressive treatment.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for monetary compensation, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, diminished quality of life, survival damages, loss of chance of life, loss of life, mental anguish, emotional distress, medical expenses, succession costs, funeral costs and attorney’s fees.

The plaintiff is represented by Stephanie C. Reuther of the New Orleans-based The Sakla Law Firm APLC.

The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Raymond S. Steib Jr.

Case no. 734-529.