Woman sues Charleston physician for husband's death

CHARLESTON -- A woman is suing a Charleston physician after she claims he was responsible for her husband's death.

On March 1, Rodney Dale Loftis Sr. was admitted to Short Stay Surgery at Thomas Memorial Hospital for a laparascopic cholecystectomy to be performed by Dr. James A. Pollack, according to a complaint filed Jan. 3 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Shonette Loftis claims her husband began to experience severe abdominal pain after the surgery and was admitted back into the hospital on March 18 with severe pancreatitis, where he stayed until his death on May 9.

Pollack negligently failed to provide proper and necessary testing of Rodney Dale Loftis, according to the suit.

Shonette Loftis claims Pollack was negligent and deviated from the appropriate standard of care.

Shonette Loftis is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Richard D. Lindsay, Matthew C. Lindsay and Johnson W. Gabhart.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Louis Bloom.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-3