Patient claims nurse broke her leg, forced second surgery on hip implant

GRETNA – A local hospital is being sued by a patient who claims her leg was broken by a nurse while she was rehabilitating from a hip implant.

Susan V. Guidroz, and husband Christopher, filed suit against April A. Luscy R.N., Jefferson Parish Hospital Service District No. 2, Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana and East Jefferson General Hospital in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 17.

Guidroz asserts that she received a hip implant on Jan. 29, 2011 and that immediately afterward she was transferred to a rehab unit within the hospital. On Feb. 2, 2011 the plaintiff alleges she was being transferred from her wheelchair to a bedside commode by Luscy who abruptly mishandled the leg that had undergone the operation causing her femur to fracture. Guidroz claims that at no time did Luscy notify her physician or the physical therapy department of the incident.

The plaintiff asserts that the damage done to her leg necessitated another surgery requiring partial removal of the implant.

The defendant is accused of medical malpractice.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, medical expenses, scarification, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.

Guidroz is represented by Joseph A. Kott of New Orleans-based Herman Herman and Katz LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division K Judge Ellen Shirer Kovach.

Case no. 737-584.