NEW ORLEANS – A man who underwent a bypass surgery is suing a hospital claiming that a negligently placed heating pad resulted in very severe and deep wounds to his legs and buttocks, ultimately resulting in an amputation.
Stephen Rogers filed suit against Touro Infirmary in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on May 28.
The plaintiff claims that in mid-September 2010 he was a patient at Touro Infirmary and underwent several surgeries between the dates of Sept. 13-15. During one of the surgeries the plaintiff alleges that he was allowed to sustain severe, deep, and very large wounds to his bilateral buttocks, measuring approximately 5 ½ to 6 inches wide. He claims that these wounds were caused by the negligence of Touro's personnel, and in particular by their failure to properly apply, use and/or monitor the components of electrical cauterizing equipment used in surgery.
Rogers alleges that due to these painful burns, he had to undergo painful debridement followed by extensive and painful wound care for more than seven months following the surgeries. Additionally, he claims the wounds stunted the rehabilitation of his left leg stump whereby he had to undergo a second left-leg amputation rendering him unable to use a standard prosthetic and placing him at greater risk of additional cardiovascular complication or pulmonary embolus.
The plaintiff is seeking an unspecified amount in damages for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of wages.
The plaintiff is represented by Harry T. Widmann of Metairie-based Harry T. Widmann & Associates and William A. Eroche of Houma-based Watkins, Walker & Eroche.
This case has been assigned to Div. L Judge Kern A. Reese.
Case no. 2015-05057.