Rehabilitation center sued for malpractice after emergency amputation

NEW ORLEANS – A man is suing the the nursing home and rehabilitation center in which he lived following an emergency amputation of his leg that was allegedly necessitated by their negligence.

Clinton Finley, and wife Elsie, filed suit against Lakeland Partners LLC, St. Christina, PFU, LLC, and their insurer in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Feb. 5.

The plaintiff claims that his caretakers phoned his wife on Jan. 19, 2014, informing her that he required emergency medical surgery and requesting that she come in to sign consent forms. She was allegedly informed that he had sustained a leg fracture and developed gangrene, thus making the procedure necessary. Upon her arrival to the hospital she was told that Finley's chances of survival were slim without amputation of his leg. The plaintiffs also claim that Finley was involuntarily discharged from the facility and dropped off without notice on the porch on Feb. 11, 2014.

The plaintiff seeks an unspecified amount in damages for failing to exercise reasonable care, failing to properly supervise and care for patients and abandonment of a patient.

The plaintiff is represented by Pius A. Obioha, Kelly S. Love and Lamarre T. Elder of New Orleans-based Law Offices of Pius A. Obioha & Associates LLC.

This case has been assigned to Division M Judge Paulette R. Irons.

Case no. 2015-01109.