CHARLESTON - A Kanawha County couple is suing Associated Radiologist Inc. after they claim it is responsible for their son's permanent injuries
Dr. Jennifer Smith was also named as a defendant in the suit.
On Dec. 13, 2010, Gabriel Griffith presented to his pediatrician, Dr. Ann Lambernedis, with complaints of vomiting over the last week and on Dec. 27, 2010, he returned to Lambernedis with vomiting, but there is no record of Lambernedis taking his pulse at the visit, according to a complaint filed June 1 in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Tabatha and Karle Griffith claim the defendants performed radiological studies on Gabriel Griffith's chest and abdomen.
On July 18, 2011, the Griffiths took their son again to see Lambernedis for vomiting and his pulse was 100 and more radiological studies on his chest and abdomen were done, according to the suit.
The Griffiths claim Lambernedis referred Gabriel Griffith to a gastroenterologist and at that visit, his pulse was more than 190 and he was transferred to Cabell Huntington Hospital, where he was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia.
The SVT did not resolve with medication and arrangements were made to transfer Gabriel Griffith to Ohio State, however, prior to transfer, he arrested and his now in a permanent vegetative state, according to the suit.
The Griffiths claim the defendants' negligence, carelessness and recklessness caused their child to suffer a cardiac arrest, resulting in a significant and permanent hypoxic brain injury.
The plaintiffs suffered a loss of enjoyment of life and loss of guidance and companionship, according to the suit.
The Griffiths are seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are being represented by Richard D. Lindsay and Dr. Richard D. Lindsay of Tabor Lindsay & Associates.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Louis Bloom.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 15-C-1087
