Doctor to blame for woman's death, suit claims

WINFIELD -- A Putnam County doctor allegedly wrongly prescribed medications that led to a woman's death, according to a lawsuit.

According to the complaint filed by Jessica Southers on Sept. 11 in Putnam Circuit Court, Dr. Dudley Crawford prescribed the medications to Lora Stanley on Sept. 26, 2006.

Smithers alleges Crawford acted carelessly, recklessly, willfully, wantonly and with a reckless disregard of risk to Stanley's health.

She claims as a result of Crawford's negligence, Stanley endured mental anguish, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and died on Sept. 26, 2006.

Smithers also claims she has been forced to pay medical, funeral and burial costs.

Smithers and her family have suffered great mental pain and anguish and Stanley's loss of services, society, guidance and companionship, according to the complaint.

She is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, as well as pre- and post-judgment costs.

Richard D. Lindsay of Tabor Lindsay & Associates in Charleston will be representing her.