Two doctors, hospital sued by woman's estate

WINFIELD – The estate of a woman has sued two doctors and the former Putnam General Hospital, blaming them for her death.

Johnny Collins, the executrix of the estate of Sherry Collins, filed the suit May 22 in Putnam Circuit Court against Dr. James Cox, Dr. Robert Leo Walker and Teays Valley Health Services Inc. dba Putnam General Hospital.

According to the complaint, Sherry Collins was admitted to the hospital on June 8, 2006, under the care of Cox and Walker.

The complaint says the defendants and their agents and employees were negligent in the care of Sherry Collins. Among the allegations are:

* Performing a procedure on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia on Collins in light of her obesity and history of sleep apnea;

* Ordering and administering long-acting opioids for Collins;

* Failing to keep her in the post-anesthesia recovery unit for a sufficient duration of time;

* Failure to sufficiently educate Collins and her family about the use of the CPAP upon returning home from the outpatient surgical procedure.

Claiming negligence, carelessness, recklessness and marked deviation from the normal standard of care, the plaintiff says Sherry Collins was grievously injured, was forced to endure mental and physical pain and suffering and was injured to a disabling extent in her body, mental and emotional functions. The complaint also says she incurred expenses for medicine, hospitalization, doctor bills and other medical care and attention.

It then says Collins died two days after the procedure. The plaintiffs then had to incur funeral and burial costs as well as suffer mental pain and anguish, financial and pecuniary losses, loss of services, society, guidance and companionship of Collins.

They seek damages in an amount yet to be determined, as well as pre- and post-judgment interest, court costs and attorney fees.

Madonna C. Estep is representing the estate. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Ed Eagloski.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 08-C-170