Med-mal suit blames doctor, Renaissance for woman's misdiagnosis

A Groves couple has filed suit against a Jefferson County doctor and Renaissance Hospital, alleging the woman's condition worsened because the doctor failed to properly diagnose her.

Rachelle and Raymond Socia claim Rachelle went to the emergency room at Renaissance Hospital in Groves on Sept. 12, 2006, with complaints of a sudden onset of severe neck pain, a splitting headache, fatigue, dizziness, disorientation and difficulty speaking.

According to the complaint filed Nov. 26 in Jefferson County District Court, Dr. Thomas Konjoyan attended to Rachelle and sent her home after diagnosing her with an acute myofascial cervical strain.

However, Konjoyan incorrectly diagnosed Rachelle, and she returned to Renaissance Hospital on Nov. 9, 2006, unresponsive and vomiting, the suit states.

Eventually, Rachelle claims she was diagnosed with a severe intraventricular hemorrhage.

"Unfortunately, because of Dr. Konjoyan's negligence, Ms. Socia's condition had gone untreated and deteriorated, leaving her with severe and permanent damages which could have been prevented," the suit states.

Because of Konjoyan's misdiagnosis, Rachelle has suffered physical pain and mental anguish and has incurred medical expenses, according to the complaint.

She has also suffered physical incapacity, impairment and disability and a loss or reduction in her earnings, she claims.

Raymond has suffered lost earnings and lost time from work to take care of Rachelle, a loss of household services performed by Rachelle and a loss of consortium, according to the complaint.

The Socias are seeking unspecified damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief to which they may be entitled.

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

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

Case No. D182-770