Malpractice case alleges surgeon left needle inside body

A Beaumont man has filed a medical malpractice suit against a local doctor, alleging a needle negligently left inside his body during surgery perforated his bladder.

Ronald Williams claims he underwent surgery performed by Dr. Stuart Scott Kacy of Southeast Texas Surgical Associates on March 12, 2007.

Court papers say that during the procedure, one of the used needles popped off the needle holder into Williams's body.

Ronald Williams and his wife, Erica, filed a medical malpractice suit against Dr. Kacy and Southeast Texas Surgical Associates on May 26 in Jefferson County District Court.

According to the suit, Dr. Kacy failed to locate and retrieve the needle before closing up Williams, even though he knew the needle "could cause perforations, infections and various other medical complications."

After Williams was discharged from the hospital, he claims he developed serious medical problems, including a perforated bladder that caused him to urinate fecal matter, the complaint states.

Because of Kacy's alleged medical negligence, Williams claims he has suffered physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment and physical disfigurement. He also incurred medical costs and lost his earning capacity, according to the complaint.

In addition, Erica Williams says she lost earnings while caring for her husband, lost household services he once performed and lost his consortium.

At the time of the surgery, Kacy worked for Southeast Texas Surgical Associates, who are liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior, according to court records.

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

They are represented by Craig Lewis and John J. Brothers of The Lewis Law Firm in Houston and by Barrett P. Lindsay of the Lindsay Law Firm in Beaumont.

The case has been assigned to Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court.

Jefferson County District Court case number: E184-154.