Daughter sues cardiac surgeon in mother’s death

A Beaumont woman has sued a doctor, alleging wrongful death in her mother’s passing during surgery.

Heather Williams, individually and on behalf of her mother Sabra Johnson’s estate, filed a lawsuit Feb. 25 in Jefferson County District Court against Dr. Michael T. Oszcakiewicz of Beaumont, citing negligence and breach of duty.

According to the complaint, Sabra Johnson was a patient under Dr. Oszcakiewicz's care when during heart surgery Dec. 10, 2012, the patient died due to a laceration to her right ventricle attributed to a saw used to open her sternum.

The suit states Johnson was in good health with a normal life expectancy at the time of her death. Williams alleges personal injuries, conscious pain and suffering, and mental anguish on the decedent’s part, and seeks damages for medical, funeral and burial expenses incurred by her mother’s death. Williams also cites personal pain and suffering and the loss of parental support and services in Johnson’s passing.

She seeks compensation for medical expenses, damages, attorney fees, expenses and costs. She is represented by attorney Brett Thomas of Roebuck & Thomas in Beaumont.

Jefferson County District Court case number: E-196778