Woman sues Thomas Memorial Hospital for husband's death

CHARLESTON -- A woman is suing Thomas Memorial Hospital for her husband's death.

On Feb. 16, 2011, Cluther Allen Ray presented to the defendant's emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain and upper gastic pain, according to a complaint filed Feb. 9 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Julie Ray claims tests were done and Cluther Ray's cardiac enzymes were elevated, but nothing was done about them.

On Feb. 17, 2011, a cardiologist was consulted and it was discovered Cluther Ray had a heart attack, according to the suit.

Julie Ray claims Cluther Ray had emergency heart surgery following the discovery of the heart attack.

After the surgery, Cluther Ray lived until May 4, 2011, never leaving the hospital, suffering from heart failure due to the delay in diagnosing and treating his heart attack, according to the suit.

Julie Ray claims as a complication of the heart attack, Ray suffered the amputation of both of his legs, among other injuries.

As a result of the defendant's negligence, Cluther Ray's estate has incurred medical bills in excess of $700,000, according to the suit.

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

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Carrie Webster.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 12-C-258