Potential jurors called in to the Beaumont courthouse to judge a medical malpractice trial were granted an early Christmas gift Monday morning as the case settled.
Margie Legendre filed suit against Christus Hospital – St. Elizabeth on March 2, 2011, in Jefferson County District Court, alleging nurses failed to empty her Hemovac drain following back surgery.
According to Legendre’s first amended petition, on March 4, 2009, she was admitted to St. Elizabeth and had back surgery performed. During the procedure, a Hemovac drain was placed into the surgical wound, which was not emptied and measured by the end of the shift during which her operation occurred.
A Hemovac drain is placed under the skin during surgery and removes any blood or other fluids that might build up in the area.
As a result of nurses failing to monitor and drain the device, “excessive amounts” of cerebral spinal fluid was drained from Legendre, causing her to suffer headaches.
The case was set to go to trial Monday, Dec. 1, but settled before a jury could be selected, according to a courthouse official.
Legendre accused Christus and its nurses of breaching the standard of care, and sought damages for her past and future pain, mental anguish and medical expenses.
Houston attorney Craig Lewis represents her.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is presiding over the case.
Case No. D189-518
Christus settles med-mal lawsuit before trial
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