CHARLESTON – A Kanawha County woman is suing Genesis Healthcare for negligence and failing to properly care for her family member.
Charleston Area Medical Center Inc. and 1000 Lincoln Drive Operations LLC, which is doing business as Valley Center, were also named as defendants in the suit.
Richard Malcomb was admitted to CAMC from June 16, 2013, to July 31, 2013, and from Aug. 12, 2013, to Aug. 22, 2013, according to a complaint filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Teresa Malcomb claims upon admission for a non-displaced spinous fracture of C7 and C4 tetraplegia ASIA C, Richard Malcomb's skin was intact, however, during his stay, he began suffering from skin breakdown.
CAMC's staff failed to develop and implement a plan of care to prevent Richard Malcomb from suffering skin breakdown; failed to turn and reposition him adequately; and failed to timely provide sufficient interventions and treatment to prevent and care for the skin breakdown, according to the suit.
Teresa Malcomb claims Richard Malcomb was a resident of Valley Center from July 31, 2013, until Aug. 12, 2013, and his skin breakdown required care and treatment, however, the pressure ulcers worsened and became infected.
Valley Center failed to provide adequate and timely pressure relief and care or treatment to prevent the development or worsening of pressure ulcers, according to the suit.
Teresa Malcomb claims the negligence and carelessness of the professionals and non-professionals at CAMC and Valley Center contributed substantially in causing serious injuries to Richard Malcomb, resulting in pain, suffering and, ultimately, his death.
The defendants are responsible for Richard Malcomb's wrongful death, according to the suit.
Teresa Malcomb is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Andrew L. Paternostro and Jeff D. Stewart of The Bell Law Firm PLLC.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Joanna Tabit.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 15-C-1266