CHARLESTON – A woman and her husband are suing Charleston Area Medical Center for injuries sustained while on its property.
On Jan. 4, 2013, Pamala J. Jarrell presented to CAMC for a scheduled outpatient procedure of an upper GI panendoscopy and a colonoscopy and, prior to her arrival, she was instructed to consume a product to help clean her bowels, according to a complaint filed Dec. 30 in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Jarrell claims upon arrival at the hospital, Aaron Taylor, a registered nurse, attempted two IV sticks to place an IV, but failed each time, and, following the failed attempts, Jarrell needed to use the restroom.
Nursing notes show that prior to going to the restroom, Jarrell had stated she felt woozy and light-headed, however, despite this, she was allowed to continue into the restroom without assistance, according to the suit.
Jarrell claims she was told to use the call light if she needed any help, but, while she was in the restroom, she fell forward and injured her head, neck and shoulders.
A nurse came into the restroom after hearing the fall and found Jarrell lying on the floor, according to the suit. The nurse helped Jarrell into the bed and gave her IV fluids.
Jarrell claims she complained of a headache, but, despite the fall and injuries, she was placed under anesthesia and the scheduled procedures were performed.
After the procedures, Jarrell was not given any instruction regarding medical help she might need due to the fall, and she was released to go home, according to the suit. Jarrell has had to have subsequent surgeries and has been deemed disabled from work.
Jarrell claims the defendant was negligent in failing to properly monitor her.
As a result of the defendant's negligence, carelessness and marked deviation from the standard of care, Jarrell has been damaged, according to the suit.
Jarrell and her husband, David Jarrell, are seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are being represented by Kathy A. Brown of Kathy Brown Law PLLC.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Charles E. King.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 14-C-2242
