Woman blames physician for husband's death

CHARLESTON – A woman is suing a Charleston physician after she claims the physician is responsible for her husband’s death.

On Sept. 8, 2011, Thomas Francis Wright had a cystoscopy performed at Charleston Area Medical Center by Dr. Cyus Mali, and while he was at the hospital, an EKG ordered by Dr. Donna Slayton, was conducted and showed abnormalities, according to a complaint filed Nov. 13 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Barbara M. Wright claims her husband complained of chest pains, but despite these circumstances, he was discharged later that afternoon.

On Sept. 9, 2011, Thomas Wright returned to CAMC via an emergency transfer from Roane General and shortly after, he was diagnosed with an acute myocardial infarction, from which he died seven days later, according to the suit.

Barbara Wright claims Slayton negligently failed to investigate and/or treat her husband’s chest pain and negligently failed to follow-up on his EKG prior to his discharge.

As a result of Slayton’s negligence, carelessness, willfulness, recklessness and/or wantonness and deviation from the applicable standard of medical care, Thomas Wright was forced to endure mental anguish; pain and suffering; loss of enjoyment of life; and death on Sept. 16, 2011, according to the suit.

Barbara Wright 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-2249