Responsibility for hemorrhage that led to death of patient attributed to doctors in lawsuit

GRETNA – A pair of doctors who treated a man who allegedly died from a post-surgery hemorrhage are being sued by the deceased’s surviving widow for wrongful death.

Janet Cahanin filed suit against Louisiana Medical Mutual Insurance Company, Ludwig C. Heintz M.D. and Julie A. Lawrence M.D. in the 24th Judicial District Court on March 5.

Cahanin claims that in November and December 2012 her husband Ronald Cahanin was under the care of Heintz for the treatment or a hernia that was ultimately surgically repaired on Dec. 10, 2012. The plaintiff alleges that at the time of the surgery Heintz should have known her husband had other medical conditions and was taking aspirin, which had the effect of thinning his blood, making him more prone to complications.

Cahanin contends her husband was released from the hospital shortly after the surgery, but was rushed via ambulance back to the hospital just after midnight where it was discovered he had suffered a hemorrhage and that two liters of blood had accumulated in his abdomen. The plaintiff asserts her husband was under the care of Lawrence during the emergency, but ultimately died from the complications five hours after being admitted to the hospital.

The defendants are accused of medical malpractice and wrongful death.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, mental anguish. emotional distress, fear, fright, medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of income, loss of support and loss of retirement benefits.

Cahanin is represented by Edward F. Downing III of Gautheir, Houghtaling & Williams.

The case has been assigned to Division B Judge Cornelius E. Regan.

Case no. 747-380.