NEW ORLEANS – A woman is suing Tulane University Hospital and doctors over her husband's treatment, saying their alleged breaches in standards of care directly led to his death.
Courtney Boudreaux Strickland, Individually and on behalf of her minor children and her deceased husband filed suit against Dr. Benjamin Lee, Dr. Phillip J. Dorsey, Jr. And University Healthcare System D/B/A Tulane University Hospital and Clinic in the Orleans Parish First Civil District Court on June 16..
The plaintiff claims that her husband was admitted to Thibodaux Regional Medical Center on Sept.14, 2011 and diagnosed with kidney stones. During his diagnostic workup, he was found to have a 5 cm right adrenal tumor and was referred to Tulane Medical Center, where a right adrenalectomy was performed on Oct. 12, 2011. She states that he was discharged on Oct.15,2011 and died there on Oct. 20, 2011.
The defendants are accused of failing to diagnose and treat the plaintiff's Addisonian crisis, in discharging him when it should have been obvious that he was seriously ill and in need of further workup and treatment, and in failing to consult with an endocrinologist about his treatment and appropriately order testing. Additionally, the plaintiff claims that the hospital failed to act upon signs of impending renal failure and abnormal blood pressure and heart rate that were more likely than not caused by an Addisonian crisis.
The plaintiff seeks an unspecified amount in damages for the severe mental and physical pain and suffering experienced by her husband right before his death and his right and cause of action to recover for those damages with respect to his spouse and minor children. Additionally, damages are sought for her children's loss of love and affection, nurture and guidance, economic support, and companionship.
The plaintiff is represented by Michael J. Samanie and Stephen S. Stipelcovich of Houma-based Samanie & Stipelcovich.
This case has been assigned to Div. N Judge Ethel S. Julien.
Case no. 2015-05767.