Raleigh woman blames facility, DHHR for brother's death

CHARLESTON - A Raleigh County woman has filed a suit on behalf of her brother, who died as a result of negligent treatment while a resident at a long-term health facility.

Joyce Saunders filed the suit June 23 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Pinecrest Hospital and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. The suit was filed on behalf of the estate of Stanley Moore.

According to the suit, Moore was a long-term resident of Pinecrest Hospital from Sept. 16, 2005 to May 16, 2007. During that time, he suffered serious injuries due to the poor care, neglect and abuse rendered by the Pinecrest staff.

Saunders claims her brother suffered from pressure ulcers, pain, profound malnutrition, falls, skin tears and head trauma. Saunders believes the negligent care and abuse of her brother caused significant destruction of his physical condition during his residency and caused his death on May 23, 2007.

According to the suit, the hospital failed to provide proper care and services to Stanley Moore, causing him to be characterized as marasmus, a hospital term that signifies severe, progressive body wasting.

In the five-count suit, Saunders seeks compensatory and punitive damages for herself and Moore's estate.

Attorney Jonathan R. Mani is representing Saunders. The case has been assigned to Judge Jennifer Bailey Walker.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-1225