Man says he lost leg due to doctor negligence

A Jefferson County man has filed suit against the doctor at Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital who he claims failed to appropriately treat his leg problems, causing his leg to be amputated. 

George Barlow claims he visited defendant Baptist Beaumont Hospital to have the blood circulation in his legs checked. Defendant Dr. Ben Sueoka checked on Barlow and said he would have to go inside the leg and perform an outpatient procedure to correct the problem, according to the complaint filed Sept. 9 in Jefferson County District Court.

Barlow was discharged from the hospital and scheduled to return in one week, the suit states. However, after a few days, Barlow’s condition significantly deteriorated, the complaint says.

“With a sense of urgency, plaintiff called the hospital to report the enormous pain the next day,” the suit states.

Barlow says he left a message for Sueoka to call him back, but did not receive a return communication. He continued to phone Sueoka with no response, according to the complaint.

“By the time of plaintiff’s scheduled appointment approximately seven days later, plaintiff was unable to walk and had to be rolled in by wheelchair,” the complaint says.

Barlow eventually learned that a stint in his leg had not been properly placed, causing his right leg to be amputated, he claims.

“Had either or both of the defendants provided due care and treatment or responded to the plaintiff’s urgent call for help in a reasonable and timely manner, the probability is that plaintiff’s leg would have been saved,” the suit states.

Because of his amputation, Barlow claims he incurred medical costs, lost wages and his earning capacity, experienced physical pain and mental anguish and suffered physical impairment and disfigurement.

He is seeking a judgment in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Barlow will be appearing pro se.

The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court.

Case No. D193-210