Putnam woman sues two doctor over injuries, including loss of eye, teeth, nose

CHARLESTON - A Putnam County woman has filed a medical malpractice suit against two Kanawha County physicians, claiming their negligence caused her severe pain, including the loss of several facial parts.

Rebecca S. Crary filed a suit April 27 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Gregory Stonestreet and Mark D. Steinvurzel, both licensed physicians in Kanawha County.

According to the lawsuit, Crary went to Stonestreet on Oct. 16, 2002, with sinus problems, which caused her right eye to constantly water. Crary continued to go to Stonestreet for consultations four more times in the next two years.

According to the suit, Stonestreet did not properly examine Crary, nor did he properly diagnose her. Crary claims his negligence caused her to suffer the loss of her right eye, the loss of a portion of her upper palate, the loss of multiple teeth and a significant portion of her nose.

As a result of the surgeries, Crary needs medical care and will be unable to enjoy a normal and productive life.

Stonestreet's breach of the standard of care caused Crary to needlessly suffer, the suit says.

Then, on Jan. 22, 2004, Crary consulted Steinvurzel, concerning tearing in her right eye, sinusitis and pain in her nasal region, which she felt were related to one another.

On Jan. 26, the doctor performed a balloon dacryocystography on the right side because a test on Jan. 22 indicated a partial obstruction to her nasal lacrimal duct, the suit says.

Crary claims she consulted Steinvurzel at least five times in the following two months, complaining her eye was still tearing and the pain in her face had worsened.

According to the suit, Steinvurzel ignored her complaints and turned his attention to performing a bilateral eyelid blepharoplasty, which is the removal of excess eyelid skin, a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure not sought by Crary but strongly suggested by Steinvurzel.

Steinvurzel ultimately failed to diagnose Crary correctly, the suit says.

Crary seeks compensation for her medical expenses, lost income and benefits, physical pain and suffering, annoyance and inconvenience and loss of enjoyment of life.

Attorney David Ford is representing Crary and the case has been assigned to Judge Paul Zakaib.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-844