Ochsner sued for allegedly dropping patient from surgical table and not notifying family

GRETNA – A local hospital is being sued for allegedly dropping a patent from a surgical table.

Wallace Walker, individually and as a representative of the estate of Johnnie Mae Booker, filed suit against Ochsner Medical Center in the 24th Judicial District Court on June 30.

Walker claims that Booker, his mother, underwent surgery at Ochsner Medical Center of Kenner on Sept. 7, 2010 and that when she was being moved from the operating table she was dropped to the floor while unconscious. The plaintiff alleges his mother received serious injuries to her back, shoulders and hands in the incident. Walker asserts that neither he or his mother were informed about he incident and it was not revealed until days later when they questioned medical personnel about the open sores on Booker’s back.

Following the alleged incident Booker underwent treatment to address the injury before she later died.

The defendant is accused of failing to provide safe and reasonable care, failing to properly disclose action, failing to provide adequate care, failing to timely communicate the cause of injury, failing to properly transport, failing to document medical records and generally failing to exercise due care.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for injuries, pain and suffering and survival action.

Wallace is represented by Matthew B. Moreland of the Reserve-based Becnel Law Firm LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division L Judge Donald A. Rowan Jr.

Case no. 739-924.