Woman blames CAMC for mother's death

CHARLESTON -- A Kanawha County woman is suing Charleston Area Medical Center for failing to care for her mother while she was at the hospital.

On May 27, 2009, Patsy J. Childers underwent a triple bypass graft with her left saphenous vein being grafted for two of the three bypasses, according to a complaint filed March 6 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Thelma S. Slater claims Childers developed post-operative infections to her coronary artery bypass graft surgical sites and a deep tissue pressure related injury to her coccyx and sacrum.

The defendant's negligence and carelessness contributed substantially to Childers' harm, injury and death, according to the suit.

Slater claims CAMC failed to provide scheduled pressure off-loading measures; failed to timely provide adequate pressure relief surfaces to the patient's bed and chair; failed to implement physician-ordered protein supplements to optimize Childers' nutritional status; and failed to maintain adequate infection control measures.

As a result of the defendant's negligence, Childers suffered from skin breakdown and pressure ulcers to her sacrum and coccyx, according to the suit.

Slater claims Childers sustained other bodily injuries resulting in pain and suffering; mental anguish; inconvenience; physical impairment; loss of capacity to enjoy life; aggravation of existing diseases and physical defects; and untimely death and incurred medical expenses.

The defendant's actions and omissions were willful and arise to the level of reckless and wanton disregard, according to the suit.

Slater is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Andrew L. Paternostro, Sprague W. Hazard and Jeff D. Stewart.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles E. King.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 12-C-414