Medical supply company, hospital sued by patient over alleged failure of implant

GRETNA – A medical supply manufacturer and a local hospital are being sued by a woman who claims a titanium plate implanted to repair a broken leg failed and snapped in half resulting in severe injury.

Lee Hooker filed suit against Zimmer Inc., Zimmer US Inc., Zimmer Production Inc., East Jefferson General Hospital and their insurers in the 24th Judicial District Court on Nov. 10.

Hooker contends that on June 4, 2013 he was admitted to East Jefferson General Hospital for a broken femur that required open surgery and the implantation of screws, cables and plates to repair. The plaintiff asserts that on Nov. 10, 2013 she felt the repaired bone snap and start making crunching noises in her leg. Hooker claims that she was rushed to the hospital where it was discovered that the Zimmer titanium plate that had been implanted in her leg had snapped in half.

The defendant is accused of selling a device it knew to be defective, failing to disclose financial incentives to use Zimmer products, breach of warranty, breach of contract, giving false and misleading information concerning the implant, negligence and manufacturing, improper design, failing to warn of a hazardous condition, failing to inspect for defects, failing to properly maintain and inspect the equipment, improper use of equipment, unnecessary and improper use of equipment, mishandling of equipment and failing to properly secure equipment.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical expenses including a second surgery, hospitalization, cost of a nursing home stay, physical therapy costs and medication costs as well as physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, embarrassment and loss of society.

Hooker is represented by Anita M.L. Bohannan of Kenner-based Bohannan, Rogers & Associates.

The case has been assigned to Division E Judge John J. Molaison Jr.

Case no. 744-157.