Local medical facility sued after dementia patient allegedly falls, breaks hip

NEW ORLEANS – The family of a man diagnosed with dementia who allegedly slipped and fell in Woldenberg Village is suing.

Darlene Watson, as Administrator of the Estate of John Lee, filed suit against Woldenberg Village, Inc. in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Sept. 8.

Watson's filing states that on April 15 Lee was a resident at Woldenberg Village, located at 3701 Behrman Pl. in New Orleans and that he had a known history of dementia, which allegedly contributed to his fall in the Woldenberg lounge that day. The plaintiff contends Lee broke his hip and needed emergency surgery as a result of the incident.

The defendant is accused of failing to care for the safety of others, properly protect its residents, establish training protocol and provide a safety guarantee for its residents.

The plaintiff is seeking an unspecified amount in damages for pain and suffering, mental agony and medical expenses.

The plaintiff is represented by attorney Louis A. Gerdes Jr.

The case has been assigned to Div. J Judge Paula A. Brown.

Case no. 2014-08770.