CHARLESTON - A Putnam County couple are suing a Kanawha County surgeon after they claim he violated the applicable standard of care during a surgical procedure.
Dr. Scott A. Naegele performs medical services as Scott A. Naegele, MD PLLC.
On Aug. 31, 2011, Naegele performed a hysterectomy and removal of a Bartholins' duct cyst from Amy Watkins, according to a complaint filed March 13 in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Watkins and her husband, Michael Watkins, claim it was not clinically or medically necessary to remove the cyst, and in doing so, Naegele violated the applicable standard of care.
After the surgery, Amy Watkins developed complications and sough additional care from Naegele, according to the suit.
The plaintiffs claim Naegele's surgical care and follow-up care was negligent, careless and reckless and fell below the applicable standard of care.
On Sept. 13, 2011, Naegele performed additional surgical procedures, which were unnecessary and resulted in the removal of a large section of Amy Watkins' labia, according to the suit.
The plaintiffs claim the medical care provided by Naegele caused injuries and impairments to Amy Watkins that were severe and permanent.
As a direct and proximate result of the defendant's negligence and deviations from the appropriate standard of care, Amy Watkins suffered pain and discomfort; physical limitations; disfigurement; emotional distress; and the inability to enjoy life, according to the suit.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are being represented by James R. Fox of Fox Law Office.
The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Carrie Webster.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 13-C-493
Couple sue surgeon over procedure
ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY