Medical malpractice claim filed against doctor who allegedly performed surgeries without being certified

NEW ORLEANS – A woman claims a physician performed multiple surgeries on her right foot before he was even a qualified healthcare provider.

Kelli Wilkerson filed suit against Dr. Denardo D. Dunham DPM and their insurer in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on April 7.

Wilkerson claims in 2008 she began ongoing treatment with the defendant for a continuing foot condition. From 2006 to 2009, the plaintiff underwent three procedures to remedy this condition, however, the petitioner still complained of constant pain in her right foot. According to the case file, Dunham responded each time by suggesting a regimen of pills and shots.

In 2012, while Dr. Dunham was on sabbatical, the petitioner began visiting a new physician, Dr. Vigee, to treat a cyst on her right foot. The surgery was a success, however the plaintiff continued complaining of pain in the same foot. As a result, Dr. Vigee advised x-rays be taken in March 2014 for a closer examination of the petitioner’s right foot. The x-rays allegedly revealed that the petitioner’s previous physician had eliminated too much bone during previous procedures.

The petitioner contends Dunham perpetrated multiple counts of medical malpractice from 2006 to 2014. The plaintiff claims she last consulted Dunham in April or May 2014, in which he allegedly continued to assert the petitioner only suffered from mere complications in her right foot. The plaintiff further claims that Dunham was not even a qualified physician before 2012.

“More specifically, Dr. Dunham was a qualified healthcare provider from June 8, 2012 through June 8, 2013, and from June 8, 2014 through June 8, 2015. As such, he was not qualified for any acts occurring prior to June 8, 2012,” the lawsuit states.

The petitioner is seeking an unspecified amount in damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, decline in future income and permanent scarring.

The plaintiff is represented by J. Michael Daly Jr. of Walker Daly LLP.

The case has been assigned to Div. N Judge Ethel S. Julien.

Case no. 2015-03203.