Medical malpractice suit follows negligent post-cancer care

Louisiana cancer survivors who have been victims of physician negligence will likely be able to empathize with a woman who recently filed a lawsuit in another state. A doctor and a medical facility are named as defendants in the claim that alleges medical malpractice related to breast surgery after cancer. According to court documents, the problems arose after the double mastectomy and surgical preparation for reconstruction of her breasts in August 2013.

The plaintiff asserts that she had bruises on her right breast when she went for a follow-up visit six days later. The complaint states that the defendant also provided treatment for several complications that developed in the three months after the surgery. The reason for the ongoing pain allegedly only became clear when the plaintiff sought a second opinion in Nov. 2013.

A reconstructive surgeon determined that inflammation had developed in the underlying skin of the scar, causing drainage of purulent material. Furthermore, a hematoma was discovered, and surgical removal along with intravenous antibiotic administration was recommended. The plaintiff claims that her pain and suffering continued through more surgeries and months of antibiotics until both her breast were ultimately reconstructed in April 2015.

She and her husband accuse the defendants of vicarious liability, negligence and causing loss of consortium. They seek a trial by jury in their pursuit of recovery of damages, including the loss of life enjoyment and loss of income, as well as financial expenses related to medical expenses and legal costs. Any Louisiana person who has suffered the consequences of negligent medical care retains the right to secure the services of an experienced medical malpractice attorney to pursue recovery of damages on his or her behalf.

Source: wvrecord.com, “Couple accuse doctor of negligence in breast cancer treatment“, Annie Hunt, March 21, 2016