CLEARWATER — A medical patient is suing a Pinellas County physician and facility, alleging medical negligence.
Karen O'Hara filed a complaint Dec. 19 in Pinellas County Circuit Court against Dr. Ernest C. Rehnke and F.A.C.S. PLLC, alleging the defendants failed to provide proper level of care, skill and treatment.
According to the complaint, on July 31, 2015, O'Hara came to the defendants for surgical care and treatment intended to repair a gastric perforation and remove an eroded lap band and its components.
However, the suit says, following O'Hara surgical procedure, it was discovered by ultrasound that a portion of the gastric lap band, specifically its tubing and fill port, had been retained within her abdomen, requiring subsequent removal.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to remove the tubing and fill the port of the gastric lap band during the July 2015 surgical procedure and failed to timely and adequately evaluate and diagnose O'Hara in the postoperative setting for more than 12 months after the surgery.
O'Hara seeks trial by jury, damages in excess of $15,000, plus court costs and attorney fees. She is represented by attorneys Joseph K. Lopez Jr. and Martin W. Palmer of The Palmer Law Firm PA in Lutz.
Pinellas County Circuit Court case number 18-8324-CI