Malik
Kim
CHARLESTON - A Kanawha County man has filed a medical malpractice suit against two local physicians, claiming he developed a MRSA infection after heart bypass surgery.
Gerald George of Dunbar filed the suit June 10 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Firasat Malik and Jay Kim, cardiothoracic surgeons. The suit also names Thoracic and Cardiovascular Associates Inc. as a defendant.
According to the suit, George was admitted to Charleston Area Medical Center on Aug. 31, 2005. He soon underwent coronary artery bypass surgery.
After the surgery, George's condition deteriorated, and on Sept. 23, 2005, he tested positive for MRSA infection, the suit says.
The medical records state the infection likely was due to the indwelling line in his arm.
According to the suit, George claims Malik, Kim and TCA were negligent in evaluating his IV sites and checking for infections. They also failed to timely and properly diagnose and treat George for the infection, which lead to a prolonged and debilitating hospital course and permanent injury.
George claims he sustained temporary and permanent bodily injuries, as well as future physical and mental pain and anguish. George also suffered medical expenses and is expected to have a shorter life expectancy.
Kelly George, Gerald George's wife, is also a plaintiff in the suit. She claims she sustained great and irreparable loss in that she has suffered a loss of comfort, society, convenience and consortium from her husband.
Gerald and Kelly George seek compensatory damages as allowed under the Medical Professional Liability Act.
Attorney Richard Lindsay is representing the Georges. The case has been assigned to Judge Jennifer Bailey Walker.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-1126
