Lawsuit filed against Wheeling Hospital over man's death

WHEELING - A widow is suing a hospital and treating physicians after her husband's death.

Jody Lynn Gouldsberry, individual and as administratrix of the Estate of Nathan Joseph Gouldsberry, filed a lawsuit Feb. 12 against Angelo Georges M.D., Katarzyna Wychowaniec M.D., and Wheeling Hospital Inc. in the Circuit Court of Ohio County, citing medical malpractice.

Goulsberry says that in January 2012, Nathan Gouldsberry was taken from work to the emergency department at Wheeling Hospital with complaints including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for three to four days.

According to the complaint, on Feb. 1 Mr. Gouldsberry was examined by Dr. Wychowaniec and Dr. Georges, at which time it was discovered that along with three to four days of vomiting, nausea and diarrhea, he had become dizzy at work earlier in the day, had a temperature of 103.2 degrees, elevated blood pressure, decreased platelet count, ketones, protein, glucose, blood and nitrites in his urine, focal pyelonephritis on his left and right kidneys, an enlarged spleen and a highly sensitive staph infection in his blood.

On Feb. 3, his doctors discharged him to his home with a diagnosis of Staphylococcus aureus urosepsis. Gouldsberry alleges that doctors failed to order an echocardiogram or liver function test.

The complaint states that on the morning of Feb. 9, 2012, Gouldsberry reported to the emergency room at Reynolds' Memorial Hospital complaining of spiking fevers, worsening symptoms and weakness.

The complaint alleges that Memorial Hospital ER physicians immediately suspected endocarditis, ordered an echocardiogram and other tests and arranged transfer of Gouldsberry to a tertiary care center. In the evening of Feb. 9, 2012, Gouldsberry was transferred to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital where his condition continued to deteriorate until he died Feb. 13, 2012, of cardiorespiratory arrest secondary to infective endocarditis.

The complaint alleges that Dr. Wychowaniec and Dr. Georges failed in their duty of care to Gouldsberry, including their duty to treat him as a reasonable, prudent physician would under the same circumstances.

Gouldsberry is seeking an undisclosed amount of damages, including costs and punitive damages.

She is being represented by Wheeling attorney Christopher Regan of Bordas & Bordas PLLC.

Circuit Court of Ohio County Case No. 13-C-41.