MOUNDSVILLE — The father of a young girl is suing Reynolds Memorial Hospital and West Virginia University Medical Corporation claiming a physician was negligent.
Dr. Christopher D. O'Neal was also named as a defendant in the suit.
Gracie Vanscyoc presented to Reynolds Memorial Hospital Emergency Department on Feb. 24, 2019, at the age of 6, when she was injured by a tree branch that slid inside her helmet, pierced the skin beside her right eye, went through her face and exited near her right ear while she was riding a child's ATV, according to a complaint filed in Marshall Circuit Court.
Hunter Vanscyoc claims O'Neal removed the branch and the wood that was embedded in Gracie Vanscyoc's face and then did six internal and seven external sutures.
O'Neal failed to ensure that all of the wood particles were removed from Gracie Vanscyoc's face and did not adequately cleanse the wound before suturing it. He also failed to transfer her to a plastic surgeon, according to the suit.
Hunter Vanscyoc claims he took her back to the emergency room on Nov. 16, 2019, when a wood splinter was coming out of the facial wound. She then had to undergo surgery on Nov. 22, 2019, for the wound.
Hunter Vanscyoc is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. He is represented by Michelle Marinacci of Hold Khourey & Turak.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Jeff Cramer.
Marshall Circuit Court case number 21-C- 44
