Hospital Negligence Case Ends in Defense Verdict

Clark v. St. Francis Medical Center

Case Background

Alice Clark filed a medical negligence lawsuit against St. Francis Medical Center after an incident during her recovery from outpatient surgery. While still under the effects of anesthesia and considered a fall risk, she was left alone on the toilet. After waiting too long for assistance, she attempted to stand, fell, and broke her hip. The case was filed in Louisiana’s Fourth Judicial District Court, with Judge Frederick Jones presiding. [Case number: 19-2615]

Cause

Alice Clark, 70, underwent outpatient surgery at St. Francis Medical Center on October 12, 2016. The procedure aimed to remove a port used for cancer treatment. After the surgery, she was moved to recovery. The plan was to discharge her once she used the bathroom. Although the anesthesia (Propofol) was mild, Clark remained groggy. A nurse escorted her to the bathroom but left briefly to contact her family. Before leaving, the nurse instructed Clark to use the call button if she needed assistance. After using the bathroom, Clark pressed

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Hospital Cleared in Negligence Lawsuit After Patient Falls Following Surgery