CHARLESTON -- An Alum Creek couple is suing Herbert J. Thomas Memorial Hospital Association after they claim it was negligent in its care during hospitalization.
On Jan. 27, 2010, Lisa Kirk was admitted to Herbert J. Thomas Memorial Hospital for a diagnostic laparoscopy with a possible appendectomy, according to a complaint filed June 29 in Kanawha Circuit Court.
On the day following the surgery, Kirk claims one of the nurses attempted to administer medication through an IV site on her right forearm, but a rolling knot had formed and the site was swollen, numb, tingling and painful.
Kirk claims despite her complaints and protests, the nurse continued to attempt to push the medication into her arm. She claims the medication leaked out of the IV and onto her hand.
Later that day, Kirk was discharged from the hospital, but following her discharge, she began to experience significant pain, swelling and decreased range of motion in her right hand and wrist, according to the suit.
On Feb. 11, 2010, Venous imaging demonstrated a cephalic vein thrombosis in Kirk's right arm with no flow in the right cephalic vein mid-forearm and extending to the site of the previous IV, according to the suit.
Kirk claims she attempted physical therapy, but was unable to continue due to pain and swelling, so on Feb. 23, she was re-hospitalized for further evaluation and treatment.
The defendant was negligent in caring for Kirk, according to the suit.
Kirk and her husband, Ronnie Kirk, are seeking compensatory damages. They are being represented by Robert V. Berthold Jr. and Christina L. Smith.
The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Louis H. Bloom.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-1090
Thomas Hospital accused of medical malpractice
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