CHARLESTON - A Kanawha County man has filed a wrongful death suit against 19 medical and personal care companies, claiming they are responsible for his father's death.
Kenna Parsons III filed a suit Oct. 11 in Kanawha Circuit Court on behalf of the estate of Kenna Parsons Jr. The suit is against Glenmark LLC, doing business as Valley Center. Thomas Memorial Hospital is also named as a defendant.
According to the suit, Kenna Parsons Jr. was a resident of Valley Center from Jan. 31, 2006 to Feb. 2, 2006. Prior to that, Parsons had several extended stays at Thomas Memorial Hospital, where he developed pressure ulcers and lost a significant amount of weight. He also suffered from malnutrition and falls.
Parsons became a resident of Valley Center on Jan. 31, but due to inadequate documentation and communication from Thomas Memorial, orders for suctioning, breathing treatments, wound care, a specialty mattress and oxygen were not given to Valley Center.
Parsons suffered from respirator distress, resulting in aspiration pneumonia, during his stay at Valley Center. On Feb. 2, Parsons was transferred back to Thomas Memorial to receive treatment for his respiratory distress. Parsons died at Thomas on Feb. 6, 2006.
In the three-count suit, Kenna Parsons III claims his father's estate suffered medical expenses for the condition that led to his father's death. He seeks compensatory and punitive damages.
Attorney Erin L. Winter is representing Parsons. The case has been assigned to Judge Paul Zakaib.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-2166
Man sues 19 medical, care companies over father's death
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