GRETNA – A nurse practitioner is being sued by the children of deceased patient who claim a pressure ulcer that never healed contributed to her death.
Kathy Maestri and Kurt Burgenthal, individually and on behalf of the estate of their deceased mother Dorothy Lucille Reynolds, filed suit against Cheri Pazos N.P. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 19.
Maestri and Burgenthal claim that on Aug. 3, 2012, Reynolds was admitted to Oceans Behavorial Hospital of Greater New Orleans. According to the suit, at that time Pazos did not note evidence of a pressure ulcer and indicated that Reynolds' blood levels were within normal range.
The plaintiffs asserts that on Aug. 9, 2012, Pazos noted that Reynolds had redness on her buttocks and ordered that a cream be applied. Maestri and Burgenthal allege the next day Pazos found the condition to be worsening, but did not notify the family or take further measures to relieve pressure from the affected area.
The plaintiffs claim that on Aug. 15, 2012, their mother was transferred to East Jefferson Regional Hospital after the pressure ulcer became worse and on Oct. 24, 2012 she died. According to the suit the ulcer had never healed and was named as a contributing factor to her death.
The defendant is accused of failing to institute pressure reduction measures, failing to notify the attending physician of the condition, failing to notify the family of the condition, choosing not to consult wound care and violation of state law regarding medical malpractice.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for severe physical pain, sever emotional stress, loss of enjoyment of life and medical expenses.
Maestri and Burgenthal are represented by attorney Courtney Saia Daughtery of Baton Rouge.
The case has been assigned to Division O Judge Ross P. LaDart.
Case no. 735-726.
Nurse practitioner sued after death of patient with pressure ulcers
ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY