Estate files wrongful death suit against Thomas hospital

CHARLESTON – The estate of a Kanawha County woman is suing over claims she died due to a delay in treatment at a hospital.

Brent Morgan, administrator of the estate of Carolyn Strobel, filed a lawsuit Dec. 2, 2014, in Kanawha Circuit Court against Herbert J. Thomas Memorial Hospital Association, Dr. Andrew Cook, Greenbrier Emergency Services Inc., Dr. Paul T. Kuryla, Emily Amend and Dunbar Medical Associates.

According to the complaint, on Sept. 30, 2012, Strobel came to Thomas Memorial Hospital where, on Oct. 1, 2012, Dr. Cook found she was hemorrhaging internally and ordered she be taken to the ICU for blood transfusions. The complaint states that, for an unknown reason, an attempt was made to admit her to the wrong floor and the blood transfusions were inexplicably canceled, with Dr. Kuryla and Amend discontinuing preparations. The lawsuit states Strobel did not receive the transfusions for more than 15 hours after admission, which was too late, and she was found to be unresponsive.

Morgan is represented by attorneys Arden J. Curry II and David K. Schwirian of Pauley Curry in Charleston.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 14-C-2123