Son sues Petersen Clinic, physicians for mother's death

CHARLESTON -- A man is suing Petersen Clinic after he claims it is responsible for his mother's death.

Dr. Bruce Petersen and Dr. Lora Keaveny were also named as defendants in the suit.

Beverly D. Jewell was a patient of the defendants from Oct. 25, 2007, until her death on Dec. 24, 2008, according to a complaint filed Oct. 13 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

John A. Jewell, Beverly D. Jewell's son, claims the defendants are responsible for her death.

By at least Nov. 1, 2007, Beverly D. Jewell was complaining of cough and fatigue and her symptoms, according to the suit.

John A. Jewell claims Beverly D. Jewell's symptoms continued and she also began experiencing shortness of breath, so she was diagnosed as suffering from asthmatic bronchitis and was given medications and breathing treatments.

On Aug. 5, 2008, Beverly D. Jewell was diagnosed with bronchopneumonia organism unspecified and hypoxemia for which she was given antibiotics and steroids, according to the suit, and on Aug. 13, 2008, supplemental oxygen was ordered for her.

On Dec. 20, 2008, John A. Jewell claims his mother was admitted to Beckley ARH Hospital where it was suspected that she had metastatic lung cancer. The next day she was diagnosed with metastatic advanced lung cancer, which her prognosis was given as poor.

Beverly D. Jewell died on Dec. 24, 2008, three days after her diagnosis, according to the suit.

John A. Jewell claims the defendants failed to properly and timely investigate and/or diagnose his mother's cancer.

John A. Jewell is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Richard D. Lindsay.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles King.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-1817