Woman sues CAMC, physician for husband's death

CHARLESTON -- A Kanawha County woman is suing Charleston Area Medical Center and a physician after she claims they are responsible for her husband's death.

On July 6, 2009, Boyd Spurlock presented to the emergency department of Charleston Area Medical Center with complaints of having had a seizure, according to a complaint filed Oct. 18 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Mary Spurlock claims Dr. Leon Kwei performed a lumbar puncture on her husband, even though he was anti-coagulated, which caused an L3-L4 thrombosis to form.

Four units of Fresh Frozen Plasma were ordered for Mr. Spurlock at 4 p.m. on July 6, 2009, but he did not receive them until at least 8 a.m. the following day, according to the suit.

Mrs. Spurlock claims the defendants' negligent caused Mr. Spurlock to have a painful and prolonged hospitalization, which substantially increased the likelihood of his death on July 28.

Kwei negligently performed the lumbar puncture, which subsequently increased the likelihood of death, according to the suit, and the hospital failed to administer the plasma until the day after it was ordered.

Mrs. Spurlock is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Richard D. Lindsay and Richard D. Lindsay II.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge James C. Stucky.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-1852