BEAUMONT – A Jefferson County woman is accusing a Houston area pain management physician of malpractice.
In the 13-page suit filed June 13 in Jefferson County District Court, Dolores Young blames Dr. Jerry Keepers and Advanced Invasive Pain Management of Houston PA for health problems, allegedly caused by an intrathecal pump and catheter.
Young visited Keepers in early 2017 to discuss replacing a broken spinal cord simulator. According to the plaintiff, a replacement battery for the SCS was eschewed in favor of “a more invasive and medically complex IT pump therapy.”
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She then underwent a series of procedures to have the pump as well as a catheter installed. Keepers purportedly neglected to adhere to the standard of care by failing to “indicate the method of identification of the anatomic space for entry” and failing to “advance the catheter using multiple planes of fluoroscopic view.”
The original petition further alleged the doctor’s application of morphine did not deter the subsequent pain and problems Young said she experienced. The suit says Keepers failed to take any imaging tests or test the complainant’s reflexes and sensation “despite many red flags regarding the function and location of the IT pump” [and] “clear signs that something was significantly wrong.”
Young alleged her mobility was negatively affected, stating she “began to experience an increase in falls and significant weakness in her left leg” and was required to use a walking device to assist her to get around.
“Young’s condition continued to deteriorate to such an extent that she could no longer care for herself and she was compelled to move into an assisted living facility,” the suit said.
The plaintiff added that she eventually learned from another physician that Keepers incorrectly placed the catheter inside her.
Young seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.
She is represented by The Daws Law Firm in Beaumont.