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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Woman sues ob-gyn for failing to diagnose thyroid condition

Lewis

A woman has filed suit against her gynecologist after she claims she suffered from an easily detectable life-threatening condition while pregnant.

Lorietta Vargas alleges she sought medical treatment from defendants Dr. Maxie Sprott and nurse practitioner Vida K. Riston for prenatal care.

During her medical visits, Vargas began displaying symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which progressively became more severe, according to the complaint filed July 31 in Jefferson County District Court.

Although Vargas expressed concerns to Sprott, the doctor dismissed her worries, saying Vargas was being paranoid, the suit states.

By October 2010, Vargas was hospitalized with severe Graves disease and at risk for thyroid storm, which is a life-threatening condition, the complaint says.

"Upon her arrival to Memorial Hermann, the physicians were shocked to learn that Ms. Vargas had been under the care of an Ob-Gyn who had obviously been asleep at the wheel and allowed a relatively benign condition to progress to the point where it had become life-threatening," the suit states.

Although physicians were able to stabilize Vargas, she claims she will have to endure frequent medical monitoring for the remainder of her life.

Because of her experience, Vargas experienced physical pain and mental anguish, incurred medical costs and sustained physical incapacity, impairment and disability, according to the complaint.

In her complaint, Vargas is seeking an unspecified judgment, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Craig Lewis and John J. Brothers of The Lewis Law Firm in Houston will be representing her.

The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court.

Case No. D192-758

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