Marshall University Board of Governors was also named as a defendant in the suit.
On Dec. 15, Thomas Wilson Sr. underwent surgery for a colonic obstruction with associated sigmoid mass and, during the procedure, sponges and gauze were used, according to a complaint filed in Cabell Circuit Court.
Wilson claims after the surgical procedure, he began to have pain in his abdominal area and a CT scan was taken, which revealed a retained sponge which had been left during the surgery.
As a result, the plaintiff developed an infection and had to undergo surgery to remove the sponge and revise his ostomy due to the infection, which developed as a result of the retained sponge, according to the suit.
Wilson claims during the procedure, or shortly thereafter, he suffered a stroke causing paralysis and severe physical and mental injury and he was placed on life support and underwent numerous surgical procedures related to his deteriorating condition due to the surgery.
The plaintiff partially recovered and was discharged to Cornerstone Hospital, an acute care facility, for an extended stay and then to Holzer Clinic for rehabilitation associated with the stroke he had suffered as a result of the defendants’ negligent acts, according to the suit.
Wilson is seeking compensatory damages. He is being represented by William M. Tiano of Tiano O’Dell.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Christopher D. Chiles.
Cabell Circuit Court case number: 16-C-454