Mercer Co. man blames nursing home for mother's death

PRINCETON -- A Mercer County man is suing over claims that injuries his mother sustained in a nursing home led to her death.

Jessie Dennis Thompson, administrator and personal representative for the estate of Charlotte Sue Thompson, filed a lawsuit July 3 in Mercer Circuit Court against Maples Healthcare Inc., doing business as The Maples, and Thomas E. Brinegar D.O., citing negligence and wrongful death.

According to the complaint, Charlotte Sue Thompson was hospitalized for chronic airway obstruction Feb. 23, 2012, and was a patient at The Maples for rehabilitation from March 6 to Nov. 13, 2012.

The suit states throughout her stay, Maples Healthcare staff failed to inform her family and power of attorney she had developed life-threatening ulcers and negligently performed skin checks, with one alleged check even noted for a date after she left the facility.

The claim further states Dr. Brinegar negligently checked the ulcers, failing to make note of them at all in one check, and then negligently treated the ulcers by failing to order a debridement.

The defendants are accused of negligence, wrongful death, premises liability, and violations of the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act.

Jessie Dennis Thompson is seeking punitive damages and fees.

The plaintiff is being represented in the case by attorneys J. Timothy DiPiero, Lonnie C. Simmons and Robert M. Bastress III of DiTrapano, Barrett, DiPiero, McGinley & Simmons PLLC in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Omar J. Abhoulhosn.

Mercer Circuit Court Case No. 14-C-440-OA