Woman claims doctor unnecessarily placed hardware into foot

A Jefferson County woman has filed suit against the foot doctor who she claims caused her increased pain after inserting material into her foot. 

Anita-Louise Abbott claims defendant Dr. Richard A. Schleiffer performed a surgical operation on her foot at Christus Hospital St. Mary in Port Arthur on Sept. 24, 2010.

During the procedure, known as a Keller bunionectomy, Schleiffer removed a portion of Abbott’s bone in her left foot, allowing for additional range of motion. Some surgeons also choose to place a pin in the toe to maintain its position.

However, Abbott continued to experience left foot pain even after the surgery, according to the complaint filed Nov. 19 in Jefferson County District Court.

Finally, on Aug. 19, 2011, she sought treatment from Dr. Fred Quirante, who removed the hardware Schleiffer had placed in Abbott’s foot, the suit states.

“Following the necessary second operation to remove the painful hardware from plaintiff’s foot, plaintiff has continued to suffer from extreme pain and nerve damage in her left foot caused by the hardware inserted by defendant Schleiffer,” the complaint says.

In addition to her pain, Abbott claims she experienced mental suffering and physical impairment, endured physical disfigurement and incurred medical costs because of Schleiffer’s treatment. She also lost earnings, according to the complaint.

Abbott blames Schleiffer for contributing to her injuries, saying he negligently failed to properly perform a Keller bunionectomy, failed to use the appropriate surgical technique for Abbott’s foot problems, failed to correctly place the hardware into Abbott’s foot and failed to properly place wiring in Abbott’s foot.

In her complaint, Abbott is seeking actual and exemplary damages, plus pre- and post-judgment interest at the highest rate allowed by law, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Charles R. Houssiere and Bradley J. Reeves of Houssiere, Durant and Houssiere in Houston will be representing her.

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

Case No. E193-616