Paraplegic alleges negligence in medical treatment

A patient has sued several medical care professionals, alleging negligence.

Sue Abshire of Jefferson County filed a lawsuit Feb. 2 in Jefferson Country District Court against: Christus Health Southeast Texas, doing business as Christus Hospital-St. Elizabeth of Austin; Dr. Frank Fasullo of Houston; Dr. Sidney Marchand of Beaumont; and Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Beaumont, doing business as Healthsouth Rehabilitation Center-Beaumont, alleging negligence.

According to the complaint, Abshire had a history of osteogenesis imperfecta, which predisposes one to fractures, and twice in mid-November 2012, she was admitted to Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth for chest pain and breathing difficulty. She was discharged each time, the suit states, returning Nov. 22, 2012, with worsening symptoms and she was transferred to Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Beaumont on Dec. 3.

The suit states Healthsouth started Abshiore on a physical therapy regimen without evaluating her spinal symptoms, consulting her records or stabilizing her spine. On Dec. 6, 2012, she had emergency surgery for a spinal compression fracture and was subsequently paralyzed, the lawsuit says.

The suit says negligence in evaluating Abshire resulted in her injury.

Abshire seeks: compensation for physical pain and impairment; mental anguish; medical expenses; attorney fees; expenses; and costs. She is represented by attorneys Tobias Cole and Bridgit White of Midani & Cole in Houston.

Jefferson County District Court: case number: D-196658