Dr. Paul Henry Blom was also named as a defendant in the suit.
On Dec. 8, 2010, Julie Browning had CT and CTA scans performed on her which were read and interpreted by Blom, according to a complaint filed May 2 in Cabell Circuit Court.
Julie Browning and Chad Browning, her husband, claim Blom’s written report memorializing his opinions concluded that these scans were normal and unremarkable, however, a brain tumor later determined to be an “astrocytoma” was present on the scans, but Blom did not identify or diagnose the brain tumor.
On May 24, 2015, Julie Browning had CT scans performed on her, which was read and interpreted by Dr. Grant Petty, who is also believed to be an employee of Radiology Inc. and Petty first identified and diagnosed the brain tumor that Blom failed to, according to the suit.
The Brownings claim Dr. Matthew C. Werthammer performed debulking surgery to attempt to remove the tumor, however, because it had spread into the motor centers of the brain, Werthammer was unable to remove the entire tumor, as doing so would risk causing permanent damage and/or paralysis.
As a direct and proximate result of Blom’s breach of the standard of care, Julie Browning’s life expectancy has been decreased and the Brownings have suffered medical expenses; loss of income; pain, suffering, annoyance, inconvenience and aggravation; other economic damages; and permanent, substantial and irreversible damage to Julie Browning’s brain, according to the suit.
The Brownings are seeking compensatory damages. They are being represented by Richard E. Holtzapfel of Holtzapfel Law Offices PLLC.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Paul T. Farrell.
Cabell Circuit Court case number: 16-C-302