Daughter of woman who died after allegedly faulty cancer diagnosis sues

GRETNA – The daughter of a woman who died of stomach cancer claims the doctor who treated her mother negligently diagnosed the extent of her cancer which resulted in her death.

Jeanne Rodrigue, individually and in her capacity as surviving daughter of Elizabeth Kelly, filed suit against Robert D. Normand M.D. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 24.

Rodrigue asserts that her mother Elizabeth Kelly went to East Jefferson Hospital emergency room on July 28, 2009 with a fever and complaining of stomach pain. The plaintiff alleges during diagnosis the attending physician found Kelly was suffering from an ulcer that was suspected to be a cancerous. Rodrigue claims that on Aug. 10, 2009 she visited Normand who diagnosed her as having stomach cancer and subsequently subjected her to surgery to remove the cancerous area.

The plaintiff asserts that the defendant provided inaccurate information on the localization of the cancer and said the cancer had not spread to the rest of her body. However, two months later it was revealed that Kelly was suffering from breast cancer that had spread from the original site in her stomach and that the cancer had also spread in her stomach. Following chemotherapy and radiation treatment in September 2011 the plaintiff’s mother was notified that her tumor was incurable and a month later she died.

The defendant is accused of medical malpractice, not providing information regarding the severity of the disease in a timely manner, failing to exercise their best judgment in dealing with a cancer patient, lack of skill and care in providing treatment, negligently caring for a patient, failing to refer to an appropriate specialist and failing to properly monitoring the patient.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for loss of chance of survival, pain and suffering, medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of love and affection, grief, mental anguish and wrongful death.

Rodrigue is represented by Jacques F. Bezou of the Covington-based Bezou Law Firm.

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

Case no. 735-821.