Man says foot was amputated because of chemo drug

CHARLESTON - A Kanawha County man has filed a suit against a Charleston medical office, claiming he was given chemotherapy drugs that caused an adverse reaction, which ultimately led to the amputation of his foot.

Michael Skeen filed the suit June 30 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Arvind B. Shah, M.D., Inc.

According to the suit, Skeen began chemotherapy treatment July 19, 2007. The treatment included the drugs Taxol and Carboplatin. Skeen claims he began to experience an adverse reaction to the treatment. According to the suit, the nursing personnel employed by Arvind B. Shah, M.D., Inc., did not alert Skeen's physician.

The next day, Skeen called the doctor's office, to report symptoms of numbness and tingling in his foot, and sought treatment and advice for his medical complaints. The suit says a nurse failed to report the symptoms to a physician of qualified health professional, and instead communicated improper medical advice to Skeen.

Skeen continued to have worsening symptoms and called the office again July 23, 2007, claiming the numbness and tingling continued to be worse and his foot was changing in color to purple.

According to the suit, a nurse at the office failed to tell a doctor, and advised Skeen to come to the offices. However, the nurse failed to communicate to the physician and Skeen was scheduled for medical testing instead of a physical examination.

A test was performed at Thomas Memorial Hospital.

On July 26, 2007, Skeen returned to Arvind B. Shah, M.D., Inc. for regularly scheduled blood tests. Skeen reported complaints of continued and worsening numbness and tingling in his foot, the suit says.

Upon examination, the nurse confirmed that Skeen suffered from "2+ edema from toes to knee, toes were splotched purple, pt has light pedal pulses and capillary refill was present," the suit says.

Skeen was admitted to Thomas Memorial, where several attempts at conservative treatment failed to restore circulation to his right toes and foot. According to the suit, Skeen underwent an amputation of his right foot on July 31, 2007.

According to the suit, the nursing personnel of Arvind B. Shah, M.D., Inc. were further negligent by providing improper medical advice and diagnosis to Skeen in response to his request for medical advice and treatment.

Skeen claims he has suffered permanent injury, endured pain and suffering and will continue to endure pain and suffering. His wife, Sharon, claims she has been deprived of the consortium, society and comfort of her husband.

Together, the Skeens seek compensation for their injuries.

Attorney Robert V. Berthold is representing the Skeens. The case has been assigned to Judge James Stucky.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-1275