Cabell woman sues MU board for husband's death

HUNTINGTON -- A Cabell County woman is suing Marshall University Board of Governors after she claims it is responsible for her husband's death

On Sept. 1, 2009, Clifton Beckett was involved in a motorcycle accident and was admitted to Cabell Huntington Hospital as a result of his injuries, according to a complaint filed March 18 in Cabell Circuit Court.

Donna Beckett, Clifton Beckett's wife, claims her husband underwent spinal surgery on Sept. 3, 2009, which consisted of a thoracic laminotomy, transpeducular decompression, partial vertebrectomy of T-12, fusion from T-12 to L-2 with arthrodesis of T-10/T-11 and T-11/12.

Beginning on Sept. 4, 2009, and continuing throughout the next two days, Clifton Beckett's condition deteriorated, his heart rate remained elevated, his respiratory rate remained elevated and shallow and his abdomen became massively distended, according to the suit.

Donna Beckett claims on Sept. 6, 2009, her husband was taken into surgery and later died that same evening.

The defendant was negligent in its care and treatment of Clifton Beckett, according to the suit.

Donna Beckett claims the defendant failed to act in the same manner in which reasonably prudent physicians would have under the same or similar circumstances.

Donna Beckett is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Susan Curry Brasselle.

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

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 11-C-146