Greenbrier couple files med mal suit after hysterectomy

CHARLESTON - A Greenbrier County couple filed a suit against a local physician and his medical office, claiming they are victims of medical malpractice.

Elizabeth and Kevin Munson filed a suit June 21 in Kanawha Circuit Court, against Samuel G. Heywood, M.D. and West Virginia Physicians for Women Inc.

Elizabeth Munson claims she suffered severe pain and a failed kidney after Heywood performed her hysterectomy.

According to the suit, on Sept. 9, 2003, Elizabeth Munson consulted with West Virginia Physicians for Women Inc. and Heywood concerning pelvic pain that had worsened during the previous eight months.

In November 2003, Heywood performed a total hysterectomy on Munson. After the surgery, Munson experienced nausea and pain for more than ten months. She claims she experienced repeated episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, urinary tract infections, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.

"She was later diagnosed with a hydronephrotic left kidney that appeared to be atrophic or non-functioning," the suit says.

In April 2005, Munson underwent surgery to have her left kidney removed.

According to the suit, Heywood, and others at the West Virginia Physicians for Women offices should have known about Munson's condition and properly investigated her post-operative symptoms.

Because of their negligence, Elizabeth Munson claims she suffered injuries she would have not otherwise suffered, including severe pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life and other injuries.

Kevin Munson also claims he suffered a loss of marital consortium and services and he is entitled to recover damages.

Elizabeth and Kevin Munson, through attorney Thomas F. Basile, seek compensatory and punitive damages.

The case has been assigned to Judge Charles King.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-1233