Woman sues Marshall University in husband's death

HUNTINGTON -- A widow is suing the Marshall University Board of Governors for negligence and medical malpractice after her husband died.

On Aug. 5, 2009, the defendant performed surgery on Ezra Goodman and was negligent in its care and treatment, according to a complaint filed April 19 in Cabell Circuit Court.

Alice R. Goodman, Ezra Goodman's widow, claims the defendant failed to convert from a laparoscopic procedure to an open procedure upon discovering the procedure would be difficult with the "duodenum stuck to the ampulla of the gallbladder, almost forming a cholecystoduodenal fistula," and failed to ensure there had been no perforation of the duodenum prior to closing the patient or failed to repair any perforation of the duodenum prior to closing the patient.

As a result of the defendant's negligence, carelessness, recklessness and marked deviation from the normal standard of care, Mr. Goodman was grievously inured and was forced to endure mental and physical pain and suffering until his death on Sept. 16, according to the suit.

Mrs. Goodman claims her husband incurred expenses for medicines, hospitalizations, doctor bills, and other medical care and attention, and she incurred funeral and burial costs.

Mrs. Goodman is seeking damages in an amount yet to be determined. She is being represented by William S. Druckman and Madonna C. Estep.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge David M. Pancake.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 10-C-319