An Orange County woman claims an "improper" surgery performed on her spine two years ago left her paralyzed.
Janet Peeples and her husband, Everett, filed suit against Dr. Erwin Lo and physician's assistant Andy Vaughan on Sept. 29 in Jefferson County District Court.
Court papers show that on Sept. 10, 2008, Dr. Lo advised Peeples that she needed surgery on her cervical spine. Two weeks later, Dr. Lo and Vaughan performed the surgery at Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital.
"These care providers performed the surgery in an improper manner causing pressure on Peeples' spinal cord and resulting in paralysis," the suit states. "In an attempt to decompress her spinal cord, defendants performed subsequent improper procedures worsening Peeples' condition."
The suit continues by alleging the defendants failed to provide the proper standard of care.
Peeples is suing for past and future mental anguish, pain, lost wages, impairment and medical expenses, plus all court costs.
Her husband is suing for loss of consortium.
They are represented by Orange attorney Sandee Hart.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. D188-461