East Jefferson General Hospital accused of exposing patient to possible infection through dirty surgical instruments

GRETNA – A woman who was undergoing knee surgery alleges she was exposed to another patient’s blood through dirty surgical instruments.

Cynthia Murret, and husband Robert, filed suit against East Jefferson General Hospital in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 21.

Murret contends she was diagnosed by a doctor working for East Jefferson General Hospital with a torn meniscus in her knee as well as a condition causing inflammation under her kneecap. The plaintiff asserts that she underwent surgery to correct the problems on May 6, 2014 and that when she awoke from anesthesia she was informed there was a complication. Murret claims that before the surgery could be completed the doctor performing the surgery had noticed blood particles fall from what was supposed to be a clean surgical instrument into an incision he had made into Murret’s leg after which the surgery was canceled in order to protect her from infection from the foreign blood.

The plaintiff alleges that due to East Jefferson General Hospital’s negligence in cleaning their surgical equipment she had to undergo treatment by an infection specialist and submit to continual screening over a seven month period for diseases including hepatitis and HIV. As a result, Murret claims her knee surgery was delayed an entire year and she is now in need of a total knee replacement.

The defendant is accused of medical malpractice, negligently exposing patients to infectious diseases and failing to properly maintain and clean surgical equipment.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for loss of physical capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, embarrassment, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses and loss of wages.

Murret is represented by Kara Hadican Samuels of New Orleans-based Kara Hadican Samuels & Associates LLC.

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

Case no. 748-871.