CHARLESTON – A woman is suing Genesis Healthcare after she claims it is responsible for her family member's death.
Genesis Operations WV LLC, Genesis Operations LLC, Genesis Eldercare Hospitality Services Inc., Genesis Health Ventures of West Virginia Inc., Genesis Health Ventures of West Virginia LP, Genesis Eldercare Network Services Inc., Genesis Eldercare Management Services Inc., Genesis Eldercare Rehabilitation Services Inc., 723 Summers Street Operations LLC, John Does 1 through 10 and Unidentified Entities 1 through 10 (as to Willows Center) were also named as defendants in the suit.
Michael Byers was admitted to Willows Center on May 21, 2012, where he remained a resident until his death on Jan. 18, according to a complaint filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Lotie Cline claims the defendants were aware of Byers' medical condition and the care that he required when they represented that they could adequately care for his needs.
During his stay at Willows Center, Byers suffered pressure sores, scrotum removal, dehydration, sepsis, weight loss and his death, according to the suit.
Cline claims the defendants actions caused Byers to lose his personal dignity and caused his death to be preceded by extreme and unnecessary pain, degradation, anguish, otherwise unnecessary hospitalizations, disfigurement and emotional trauma.
The defendants were negligent and caused Byers' injuries, damages and wrongful death, according to the suit.
Cline is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by James B. McHugh and Michael J. Fuller Jr. of McHugh Fuller Law Group PLLC.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Joanna Tabit.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 15-C-1042
