CHARLESTON – The estate of a man is suing a hospital claiming negligent medical care led to his death.
Yuellia Amburgey, the executrix of the estate of Ralph Mollett, filed the suit Aug. 21 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Herbert J. Thomas Memorial Hospital Association, which operates and owns Thomas Memorial Hospital.
According to the complaint, on June 5, 2013, the plaintiff showed up at the hospital with symptoms of coronary artery disease which required a left heart catheterization. After the procedure, the suit claims an employee of the defendant negligently inserted a catheter causing a bladder perforation. Soon thereafter, the plaintiff became anemic, underwent surgical repair of the perforation, and ultimately went into respiratory distress and died June 30, 2013, the suit claims.
His estate argues that it is entitled to damages for sorrow, mental anguish and solace; loss of income; expenses for the care, treatment and hospitalization of the deceased; funeral expenses; and non-economic damages. Plaintiff further demands a trial by jury.
Counsels for the plaintiff are Ben Salango and Patrick Salango of Preston & Salango in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Joanna Tabit.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 15-C-1596.