Woman sues CAMC Teays Valley for injuries

WINFIELD – A Kanawha County woman is suing CAMC Teays Valley Hospital, Inc., for injuries a member of her family allegedly suffered while in the hospital’s care.

On Jan. 11, 2011, Ruby Shumate presented to CAMC Teays Valley with shortness of breath and was admitted for treatment of COPD, according to a complaint filed Jan. 11 in Putnam Circuit Court.

Phyllis D. Lester claims during Shumate’s admission, she suffered a fall that resulted in a fractured left ankle.

The defendant’s negligence and carelessness contributed substantially to Shumate’s harm and injury, according to the suit.

Lester claims the defendant had a duty to act with reasonable care in the provision of services to Shumate during the course of her admission.

CAMC Teays Valley breached its duty by allowing her to be injured while in its care, according to the suit.

Lester claims CAMC Teays Valley failed to ensure that Shumate’s environment remained free of accidents and hazards and failed to ensure that she received adequate supervision and assistance to prevent a fall with injury.

The defendant failed to appropriately monitor Shumate and failed to consistently provide a bed alarm to maintain safety, according to the suit.

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

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Phillip Stowers.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 13-C-9