HOUSTON — A Houston physician is facing a suit alleging he failed to report a tumor on a patient's MRI that led to her being diagnosed with late state cancer three years later.
Heidi Erickson and Doug Jones filed a complaint June 16 in Harris County District Court against Carlton Andrew Smith, M.D., and Houston Radiology Associated PA alleging negligence.
The plaintiffs allege in their complaint that on Dec. 17, 2018, Smith improperly read Erickson's MRI and failed to diagnose/report a tumor. The plaintiffs claim that in April of 2021, Erickson discovered she had the tumor and was diagnosed with advanced adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.
They further claim that the tumor had been present on the 2018 MRI report that was read by Smith and that his negligence in failing to report the tumor "was below the standard of care," The plaintiffs allege they have suffered mental anguish and have incurred medical, custodial and attendant care expenses and the loss of Erickson's wages and earning capacity as a result of Smith's negligence.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief of more than $1 million, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Christopher King and Hartley Hampton of Hampton & King PLLC in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-36278