A Jasper County woman is suing a physician, alleging wrongful death during her son's hospital stay.
Alice Nash, individually and as representative of the estate of James Nash Jr., filed a lawsuit July 28 in Jefferson County District Court against Dr. Harrypersad Singh, alleging negligence in the decedent’s 2013 hospitalization for a groin abscess.
According to the complaint, Singh, who was on duty May 23, 2013 when James Nash was admitted, left the hospital for the weekend and his replacement ordered a pneumatic device to prevent post-surgical clotting, including a note that Nash was at “moderate” risk for clots due to obesity.
The suit states Singh advised Nash on May 27 that he was well enough to be discharged, but did not ensure that an anticoagulant was prescribed. The lawsuit states on May 30, 2013, Nash collapsed in a hospital bathroom while shaving and died.
The suit says Singh reported the cause of death was most likely a pulmonary embolism, which the plaintiff alleges was “extremely preventable” had prophylactic measures been applied. The suit refers to research on the incidence of such complications.
The plaintiff alleges Singh placed Nash at an unacceptable risk, and holds Singh responsible for the patient’s pain and suffering prior to his death, along with medical bills, other estate costs, lost earnings, plus loss of companionship and support to surviving family members.
Alice Nash seeks compensation for damages within the jurisdictional amount, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney fees, expenses and costs. She is represented by attorney Collin Cobb of Harris, Duesler & Hatfield in Beaumont.
Jefferson County District Court case number E-197411.