GRETNA – A hospital and a group of doctors are being sued for allegedly not properly monitoring a stroke victim and improperly providing him with solid food that allegedly contributed to his death.
Lorraine Gautro and Terry Malinda, surviving siblings of Jerry Malinda, filed suit against Ochsner Medical Center – Westbank LLC, Dr. Ariane Stevens-Carrier, Dr. Charles Ochello, Dr. John Freiburg and Dr. Klau Koelbel in the 24th Judicial District Court on June 5.
The plaintiffs contend that on March 12, 2012 Jerry Malinda began to suffer from dizziness and involuntary movements in his right hand and was taken to Ochsner by ambulance. Gautro and Malinda assert their brother was provided with pills that he had trouble swallowing and coughed up. The plaintiffs claim that although Jerry Malinda was being monitored for a stroke he was given scrambled eggs at 9 a.m. At 10 a.m. a nurse purportedly found Jerry Malinda had inhaled the eggs and shortly afterward suffered from a massive stroke from which he died a week later. The plaintiffs allege that although their brother was being monitored for a stroke he was not provided with a proper dietary plan which contributed to his death.
The defendant is accused of medical malpractice.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish, loss of physical capacity, embarrassment, humiliation, medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, loss of chance of a better medical outcome and attorney’s fees.
The plaintiffs are represented by Michael E. Lillis of New Orleans-based Sangisetty Law Firm LLC.
The case has been assigned to Division F Judge Michael P. Mentz.
Case no. 750-388.