Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Isaiah Reado, 25, went to the ER at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, complaining of severe pain in his lower right abdomen. He reported that he had been vomiting and rated his pain level as 10/10. ER physician John Gray ordered a pelvic CT scan for a history of back pain. Reado told Gray about his testicular pain and was told that the CT was normal and that his pain most likely resulted from a kidney stone. Gray prescribed pain medication and discharged Reado.

Three days later, Reado noticed that his right testicle was swollen and that his pain medication was no longer working. He returned to the ER, where he was diagnosed as having testicular torsion. Reado then underwent surgical removal of his testicle.

Reado sued Gray and Southwest Louisiana Healthcare Systems Inc., alleging late diagnosis of testicular torsion. The plaintiff argued that Gray should have ordered an ultrasound to rule out testicular torsion in light of his symptoms.

The jury awarded approximately $632,700, including more than $32,700 for medical expenses. The jury apportioned liability at 60% to the hospital and 40% to Gray.

Citation: Reado v. Southwest La. Healthcare Sys. Inc., No. 2019-0368 (La. Jud. Dist. Calcasieu Parish May 28, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Damon Beard, Lake Charles, La.