GALVESTON – Alleging surgeons at Galveston's University of Texas Medical Branch negligently installed an implant device and hardware on her arm, Christine Marie Jones has filed suit against the 120-year-old institution.
Jones claims the subject device was supposed to help repair her fractured humerus, but caused her pain and discomfort instead, a lawsuit filed March 28 in Galveston County District Court states.
Recent court documents show the plaintiff originally suffered a broken hip and arm as a result of a vehicular accident in September 2007. She then sought treatment at UTMB, but was allegedly turned away because of inability to pay, the suit claims.
A visit to the Galveston County 4C's Clinic revealed that Jones's injuries required emergency surgery. The operation was performed at UTMB in May 2008.
The medical branch told Jones not to return after the surgery because of her inability to pay, according to the suit.
In the summer of 2009, the plaintiff experienced pain in her arm at the surgery site. She returned to the 4C's Clinic and was prescribed pain medication.
Jones says the pain and discomfort in her arm continued for several months until earlier this year. An X-ray determined that the arm had not healed in the months since the surgery.
The complainant claims UTMB was negligent in the use of the implant device and hardware.
Consequently, Jones sues for severe injuries, mental and physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and lost wages. She also requests a jury trial.
Bettison, Doyle, Apffel & Guarino P.C. is representing the plaintiff, and Galveston County 10th District Court Judge David Garner is presiding over the case.
Case No. 11-cv-0531