Three siblings sue doctor for mother’s death

A family brought a lawsuit against a Jefferson County dermatology practice and its principal(s) on alleged grounds of wrongful death in 2013.

Janice Carrier, individually and as estate representative for Mable Dankins; Mable Ray Credit; Eddie Dankins; and Willie O. Dankins filed suit against Sidney A. Marchand; Sidney Albert Marchand IV; and Beaumont Dermatology and Family Practice in Jefferson County District Court Case on May 19, claiming professional negligence in the May 2013 death of their mother.

The complaint states that Mable Dankins was admitted to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont on May 26, 2013 for chest pain; and that after her admission, she fell in her room, hitting her head and allegedly experiencing swelling and a cut over her eye.

According to the grievance, several calls were made to Dr. Marchand, the physician assigned to the patient, to investigate Mable’s injury, but he allegedly did not report to her room until after the woman fell into a coma. The suit states that x-rays revealed a massive brain hemorrhage so severe that it altered her brain structure; she was pronounced dead the same day.

The decedent’s surviving children cite the physician for breach of standard care, stating that his negligence was a proximate cause of Mable Dankins’ death. They allege pain, suffering, and mental anguish on their mother’s part, along with funeral and burial costs.

The Dankins family cites pecuniary damage, loss of companionship, and termination of familial relationships, requesting judgment in their favor; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorney’s fees; expenses, and costs.

The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Craig Lewis of the Lewis Law Firm in Houston.

Jefferson County District Court Case B-197139