Doctor, medical center sued for alleged medical malpractice after patient develops post-operative sore

GRETNA – A patient who claims she developed a severe infection and sore on her foot following an operation is suing her doctor and the medical center where she was being treated.

Shari Lataxes filed suit against Leon Watkins DPM, Harvard Surgery Center LLC, Gulf South Foot & Ankle LLC and Watkins Foot Center Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Oct. 6.

Lataxes asserts she sought treatment from Watkins at the Harvard Surgery Center for a left heel spur and severe foot inflammation and that Watkins instituted a treatment regimen in the form of physical therapy, medications and steroid injections. The plaintiff claims the treatment by the defendants did not stop the pain she was experiencing and Watkins recommended surgery. Lataxes alleges that shortly after Watkins operated on her heel and put her foot in a boot he went on vacation. Following the surgery the plaintiff contends she began to experience severe pain and complications that were mismanaged by the defendants when they told her to take pain medicine for the severe pain she was experiencing and to not visit a medical center or emergency room.

Lataxes asserts that on a post-operative visit with the defendants, in the absence of Watkins who was on vacation, a large blister was found on her leg and was popped by an assistant at the clinic. The plaintiff claims that after the blister was popped she continued to complain of severe pain and during a subsequent medical examination the blister was found to have gotten much larger, would not respond to medical treatment and became infected for which she had to undergo several months of further treatment.

The defendant is accused of medical malpractice.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain and suffering, mental suffering, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, scarring, disfigurement, disability, loss of fringe benefits, medical expenses and loss of enjoyment of life.

Lataxes is represented by Joseph S. Piacun of Metairie-based Genussa, Piacun & Ruli.

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

Case no. 743-099.