GRETNA – A man is seeking damages, claiming that he was detained at a hospital against his will.
Wilson J. Gordon III filed a suit against Oceans Behavioral Hospital of Great New Orleans LLC, ABC insurance company, Gerald Cvitanovich MD, in his official capacity as coroner for the Parish of Jefferson, the Department of Health and Hospitals and the State of Louisiana in the 24th Judicial District Court on June 29.
According to the claim, the plaintiff's wife came before the New Orleans Forensic Center on April 7 to ask that her husband be admitted for what she called erratic behavior. The suit states that the couple had been experiencing marital problems leading up to the wife's request. The suit additionally states that a request for protective custody was executed and that the plaintiff was brought to the Ochsner Baptist Hospital for examination. The plaintiff was examined and admitted to the Oceans Behavioral Hospital against his will and was detained, even though he allegedly requested to leave. The suit states that the plaintiff was threatened with injections of anti-psychotic drugs during his seven days of detainment.
The defendants are accused of false imprisonment and violation of Louisiana state prohibitions against detaining an individual against his or her will.
The plaintiff is seeking an unspecified amount in damages. He is represented by Ronald W. Morrison Jr. and Zachary J. Delerno of Morrison & Morrison in Metairie.
The case has been assigned to Division J Judge Stephen C. Grefer.
The 24th Judicial District Court Case number 762422.