CHARLESTON -- A Beckley woman is suing Select Specialty Hospital-Charleston, Inc., after she claims they caused her mother to suffer serious injuries.
On Feb. 17, 2010, Theresa Rahall was admitted to St. Francis Hospital for an ulcer on her foot, which was operated on two days later, according to a complaint filed July 10 in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Karen Kay Rahall claims on Feb. 23, 2010, she noticed mats and/or pads on each side of her mother's bed and upon inquiry, learned that her mother had fallen.
Later that day, Theresa Rahall was transferred to Select Specialty and became increasingly confused and started trying to get out of bed, according to the suit.
Karen Rahall claims on March 7, 2010, a licensed practical nurse who was stationed at Theresa Rahall's doorway was summoned to assist a co-worker for a non-emergent matter and failed to turn on the bed alarm when she left Theresa Rahall.
Subsequently, Theresa Rahall fell to the floor with great force, causing a laceration to her head, bruising to her left knee and fractured vertebrae in her back that was not diagnosed properly until approximately nine days later, according tot he suit.
Karen Rahall claims the defendant failed to properly monitor and/or observe her mother; failed to provide assistance, adequate follow-up care and treatment to Theresa Rahall; failed to inform her of the seriousness of Theresa Rahall's injury; failed to properly evaluate Theresa Rahall's condition; failed to timely order the proper tests in an effort to diagnose the condition; failed to order the proper medications to assist with pain; and otherwise failed to properly examine,advise, test, care for and treat Theresa Rahall.
As a result of Select Specialty's negligence, Theresa Rahall suffered severe permanent, painful, disfiguring and disabling injuries to her head, knee and back, according to the suit.
Karen Rahall is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Richard E. Hardison Jr.
The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles E. King.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 12-C-1285