Man files medical malpractice claim after allegedly suffering renal failure

NEW ORLEANS – A man alleges he sustained renal failure as a result of a registered nurse failing to check his blood levels.

William Lee Jones filed suit against Primecare Network d/b/a Primecare Home Health and Marla J. Stewart RN in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Nov. 21.

On Aug. 9, 2013, Jones underwent back surgery at Tulane Medical Center during which he claims Dumont, a Veterans Administration physician, inserted screws, rods, bone grafts and plates into his lower back. The plaintiff contends he was discharged following the surgery on Aug. 16, 2013, but was readmitted a week later due to a back infection.

Following another surgery by Dumont, the plaintiff claims he was prescribed an antibiotic known as “Vancomycin IV” twice a day. Primecare Network was to advise the plaintiff on how to administer the antibiotic. Dumont allegedly instructed Jones to use home health care to assist the him in performing blood work and checking his Vancomycin blood levels. In this case, Marla J. Stewart was allegedly hired as a registered nurse on Sept. 3, 2013.

However, over the course of a 10-day period, the registered nurse assigned to the plaintiff is alleged to have failed to check his Vancomycin blood levels. The alleged mistake was noticed by another Primecare Home Health employee on Sept. 13, and resulted in the petitioner allegedly developing a fever and extreme toxicity.

“Petitioner was found to be in acute renal failure from Vancomycin toxicity,” the lawsuit states.

The defendants are accused of violating standards of care.

The petitioner is seeking an unspecified amount in damages for pain and suffering, mental agony, emotional turmoil, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses and permanent disfigurement.

Attorney Vincent J. DeSalvo is representing the plaintiff.

The case has been assigned to Div. A Judge Tiffany G. Chase.

Case no. 2014-11211.