GRETNA – A woman who had a lesion surgically removed from her spine is suing the diagnostic lab that tested it claiming that when the sample was lost it resulted in a delayed diagnosis.
Margarita Klein, and husband George, filed suit against Quest Diagnostic Laboratories Inc. and its insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 22.
Klein asserts that she underwent surgery to remove a lesion on her spine at Crescent City Surgical Center which was then sent to be tested in the lab at East Jefferson Hospital that was operated by Quest Diagnostic Laboratories Inc. The plaintiff claims that because the specimen never made it to the lab, uncertainty resulted in whether the lesion on her spine was cancerous and how it should be treated.
The defendant is accused of depriving the plaintiff on knowing the nature of the lesion, a definitive diagnosis of her condition and a definitive treatment plan.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for mental anguish, medical expenses and loss of consortium.
Klein is represented by Michael J. Ecuyer of New Orleans-based Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshaurer LLC.
The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Raymond S. Steib Jr.
Case no. 737-695.