Woman accuses physician's assistant of malpractice, ethics breach

HUNTINGTON -- A former patient is suing a physician's assistant on medical malpractice and ethics claims.

Beth Gross filed a lawsuit July 15 in Cabell Circuit Court against Thomas Belford P.A., Area Health Systems Inc., doing business as Tri-State Medical Center, citing that Belford misdiagnosed her, over prescribed medication, did not get her informed consent and had sexual relations with her as a patient. Gross is suing Belford's employer for negligent hiring, both parties for intentional infliction of emotional distress and tort of outrage.

She was a patient in 2013, the complaint said.

Gross is seeking damages that cover sustained injuries, future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, embarrassment and humiliation, loss of reputation and loss of enjoyment of life.

She is represented by Madonna C. Estep of Charleston. The cas has been assigned to Circuit Judge Jane F. Hustead.

Cabell Circuit Court Case 14-C-499