HUNTINGTON – A man is suing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs after he claims his wife was injured and later died as a result of those injuries she sustained.
On Aug. 5, 2014, Dixie Workman was at the Huntington VA Medical Center for the purpose of her employment when she suffered a knee injury after opening a door outward and tripping on or over a defective step and/or landing, according to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Pleaze Workman claims on Aug. 13, 2014, while undergoing surgical repair of her knee, his wife developed acute cardiopulmonary collapse while in the operating room, resulting in a massive pulmonary embolism with cardiogenic shock and death.
The VA was an agent, servant or employee of the United States, and acting for and on the behalf of the United States in an official capacity in carrying out the business of the United States operating, controlling and maintaining the Huntington VA Medical Center and was under the direction and control of the United States at the time of the acts, making the United States liable for the negligent acts of the VA, according to the suit.
Pleaze Workman claims his wife's injuries and death are the direct and proximate result of the carelessness and negligence of the VA, including failure to maintain the premises in a safe and habitable condition and in accordance with building ordinances.
The landing which Dixie Workman tripped and/or fell on is not proper and the VA failed to adequately warn of, repair or make safe a known and unreasonably dangerous hazard, existing and maintained at the property, according to the suit.
Pleaze Workman claims as a direct and proximate result of the carelessness and negligence of the VA, the Estate of Dixie Workman has sustained injuries and has suffered damage, including sorrow, mental anguish and solace; loss of income of the decedent from future earning capacity totaling $634,020; loss of household services totaling $206,525; protection, care and assistance; loss of consortium; medical bills and expenses totaling $84,263.35; expenses for funeral bills and services totaling $15,178.41; and various other damages.
Pleaze Workman is seeking damages in the amount of $6 million. He is being represented by Bert Ketchum and Larry A. Bailey of Greene, Ketchum, Farrell, Bailey & Tweel.
The case is assigned to District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia case number: 3:15-cv-14327