Nicholas Co. couple sues WVU Hospitals for skin breakdown

CHARLESTON -- A Nicholas County man and his wife are suing West Virginia University Hospitals, Inc., after he suffered a skin breakdown while in the hospital.

Select Specialty Hospital-Charleston, Inc., was also named as a defendant in the suit.

Henry D. Mullens was admitted to the defendants' hospital, known as Ruby Memorial Hospital, from Jan. 27, 2010 until Feb. 16, 2010; Feb. 17, 2010 until March 2, 2010; and from March 4, 2010 until March 10, 2010, according to a complaint filed March 1 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Mullens claims he was then admitted to Select Specialty Hospital-Charleston from March 10, 2010 until April 20, 2010.

Upon his admission to Select Specialty, Mullens was admitted with skin breakdown, which required care and treatment, according to the suit, however, during his admission, Mullens suffered from worsening of the pressure ulcers.

Mullens claims Select Specialty failed to develop and implement an appropriate plan of care and treatment to prevent the pressure woulds from worsening.

The negligence and carelessness of the professionals and non-professionals at WVU and Select Specialty contributed substantially in causing serious injuries to Mullens, resulting in pain, suffering and additional medical expenses, according to the suit.

Mullens claims the defendants also breached their duty of care to him.

As a result of the defendants' negligence, Mullens sustained injuries due to the pressure ulcers, according to the suit.

Mullens and his wife, Pamela L. Mullens, are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. They are being represented by Andrew L. Paternostro, Sprague W. Hazard, Jeff D. Stewart and Arden John Curry II.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 12-C-389