A wrongful death claim recently filed against Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth alleges the hospital refused to readmit a patient, who died shortly thereafter of a stroke.
Representing the estate of Isadore Harris, Annette Harris filed suit against Christus and Dr. Herman Gerhardt on April 1 in Jefferson County District Court.
Court records show that on Jan. 17, 2009, Harris was brought to the St. Elizabeth emergency room, where Dr. Gerhardt treated him.
"Without running any diagnostic labs whatsoever, Dr. Gerhardt diagnosed Harris with Hypoglycemia and discharged him home," the suit states.
Soon after, Harris passed out in the waiting area of the emergency department. His wife attempted to have him readmitted but the hospital allegedly refused to take him because he had already "been treated and could not be seen again," the suit states.
Harris was eventually taken to Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital, "where it was discovered that he had suffered a massive stroke, which would ultimately take his life," the suit states.
The suit continues by alleging Dr. Gerhardt was negligent in his diagnosis and Christus was negligent for refusing to treat him.
The plaintiff is suing for all wrongful death damages allowable under law.
Houston attorney Craig Lewis represents her.
Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. A189-691