CAMC Women & Children's Hospital
CHARLESTON – A Fayette County woman says a nurse's fumbling with an intravenous needle caused her daughter's death.
Teresa Dellinger, individually and as executrix of the estate of Amber Dellinger, filed a lawsuit April 14 against Charleston Area Medical Center.
The complaint says that Amber, who was 6 years old, was brought to CAMC Women and Children's Hospital for suspected meningitis on Sept. 21, 2007.
During the course of treatment, Amber's condition improved and she made "remarkable progress," the complaint says.
Physicians advised Amber's parents that the girl should not become excited or agitated, as it might hamper her recovery.
During the evening of Sept. 22 and early morning of Sept. 23, a nurse at CAMC attempted to put an IV needle into Amber 11 times, the complaint says. The complaint says Amber's parents gave "strenuous protest" while this was going on.
This allegedly caused Amber to get agitated and excited and sent her into convulsions and respiratory distress, the complaint says. The girl started to foam at the mouth and was choking, the complaint says.
On Sept. 24, Amber died.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages and legal costs.
John D. Wooton is representing the plaintiff. The case is before Kanawha Circuit Judge Paul Zakaib.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 09-C-681