Woman blames CAMC for husband’s death

CHARLESTON -- A woman is suing Charleston Area Medical Center, Inc., after she claims the hospital is responsible for her husband’s death.

Drs. David Elias Ede and Thomas Edward Dannals and Rebound, LLC, which is doing business as HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Huntington were also named as defendants in the suit.

On May 12, 2010, Larry Joe Chapman was transferred to CAMC under Ede’s care for a subcapital fracture of his right hip, according to a complaint filed Sept. 7 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Marilyn S. Chapman claims her husband was taken to surgery on the same date for a bipolar hemiarthroplasty.

After the surgery, Ede ordered that a splint that was placed on Larry Chapman after surgery be removed after 24 hours, while in bed, and then reapplied when he was out of bed, according to the suit.

Marilyn Chapman claims the splint was never intended to be left on continuously, especially since a recent skin assessment had raised concerns about Larry Chapman’s risk of developing skin problems.

Larry Chapman had diminished sensation and was very high risk for developing bed sores or decubitus from any kind of pressure or contact on the surface of his skin due to his peripheral neuropathy, diabetes and poor circulation, according to the suit.

Marilyn Chapman claims on May 22, 2010, her husband was transferred from CAMC to HealthSouth for rehabilitation and in his medical records it was referenced that he remained in the splint.

During the period of time the splint was not removed resulted in a huge necrotic ulcer in the posterior aspect of the calf that developed into an infection, according to the suit.

Marilyn Chapman claims the defendants’ breach of the applicable standards of care by failing to remove and replace the dressing and splint on Larry Chapman’s leg on a regular basis and for failing to properly manage the wound that developed into a necrotic ulcer that ultimately caused Larry Chapman’s illness and death.

The defendants’ negligence caused Marilyn Chapman to suffer sorrow, mental anguish and solace; loss of companionship, comfort, guidance, kindly offices and advice of the decedent; great and substantial financial loss by reason of loss of income, services, protective care and assistance provided; expenses for care, treatment and hospitalization of the decedent; pain and suffering; and other injuries, according to the suit.

Marilyn Chapman is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by John R. Mitchell.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Carrie Webster.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 12-C-1820