Taylor Co. man sues WVU Board of Governors, physicians for wife's death

MORGANTOWN -– A Taylor County man says two physicians and the West Virginia University Board of Governors are responsible for his wife's death.

On April 29, 2009, Barbara Ann Jones noticed some tingling in her fingers and on the tops of her feet and was admitted to Monongalia General Hospital by Dr. Karen Mackay, according to a complaint filed April 29 in Monongalia Circuit Court.

Richard Francis Jones claims it was suggested that in order to confirm a diagnosis of probable vasculitis, Barbara Ann Jones should undergo a kidney biopsy, so she was transferred to West Virginia University Hospital where the procedure could be performed on May 6, 2009.

The following day the procedure was performed by Mackay and Dr. Raheela Rehman, according to the suit.

Richard Francis Jones claims during the course of the kidney biopsy, the needed used to perform the biopsy was inserted too deep into the kidneys, which caused Barbara Ann Jones to suffer a perforation of her intestines, resulting in internal bleeding through her bowel.

The physicians performed the biopsy negligently and caused Barbara Ann Jones' death on May 14, 2009, according to the suit.

Richard Francis Jones claims the WVU Board of Governors was negligent in allowing the physicians to perform the procedure.

Richard Francis Jones is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by James N. Riley and Michael D. Crim.

Monongalia Circuit Court case number: 11-C-276