Suit alleges negligence by home health agency

A lawsuit on behalf of a Beaumont woman allegedly injured while under the care of a home health agency has been filed in Jefferson County.

Elizabeth Mouton, attorney in fact of Vida M. Louis, filed a lawsuit June 3 in Jefferson County District Court against Beaumont Home Health Care.

Mouton says Louis was a homebound patient under the care of Beaumont Home Health Care from Nov. 26, 2007, through Feb. 20, 2009.

During the course of her care, Louis suffered a hematoma, pain, swelling and contusion to her left arm and a facial contusion, Mouton claims.

The suit alleges Louis's injuries were attributable to the negligent conduct of employees at Beaumont Home Health Care. According to the complaint, the employees failed to properly perform the care and treatment necessary to Louis's welfare and referred the woman to a provider that they knew the provider was not competent to treat her condition.

Beaumont Home Health Care also failed to properly supervise and train Ester Mae Pleasant, the woman who provided treatment for Louis, and failed to perform a thorough background check on Pleasant, according to the complaint.

Because of her injuries, Louis incurred medical costs and experienced physical pain, suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment and disfigurement, the complaint says.

Mouton is seeking an unspecified judgment and exemplary damages, plus pre-judgment interest at the maximum rate allowed by law, post-judgment interest at the legal rate, costs and other relief to which she may be entitled.

E. Hart Green of Weller, Green, Toups and Terrell in Beaumont will be representing her.

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

Jefferson County District Court case number: E184-210.