Hospital sued by woman who claims she was injured in slip and fall after cesarean section

GRETNA – A local hospital is being sued by a woman who claims she was severely injured after a shower chair collapsed beneath her.

Jennifer Toca filed suit against Ochnser Health Systems Inc., Ochsner Health System and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 18.

Toca claims on Oct. 14, 2011 she was staying at the Ochnser hospital located at 180 West Esplanade in Kenner after having had a cesarean section for her first child. The plaintiff asserts she was was entering the shower when she sat in a shower chair and it collapsed, causing her to fall to the floor. Toca alleges she received severe injuries due to the incident.

The defendant is accused of failing to properly maintain the shower chair, failing to periodically maintain and inspect the property, knowing of the hazard, failing to exercise reasonable care to avoid damage, failing to warn that the chair was not properly lighted and failing to warn of the problems and defects.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for mental pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of work capacity.

Toca is represented by Justin A. Reese of the New Orleans-based Irpino Law Firm.

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

Case no. 735-570.