CHARLESTON — An Kanawha County estate administrator is suing medical care providers, alleging their negligence led to the death of a family member.
Louise Thomas, executor of the estate of Alvin Ray Thomas, filed a lawsuit Nov. 10 in Kanawha Circuit Court against West Virginia University Board of Governors and Charleston Area Medical Center Inc., alleging they negligently deviated from the applicable standards of medical care and treatment.
According to the complaint, on Jan. 19, Alvin Ray Thomas was admitted at Charleston Area Medical Center for a carotid endarterectomy. He initially did well, the suit says, but later complained of trouble breathing due to throat swelling.
The lawsuit states this swelling went undetected for approximately one hour before he went into cardiac arrest. Because of the loss of his airway, he suffered hypoxic brain injury and passed away Jan. 26, the suit says.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to timely diagnosed and treat Thomas.
Louise Thomas seeks trial by jury, compensatory and punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, and all other relief to which she is entitled. She is represented by attorneys Stacy A. Jacques and Dr. Richard D. Lindsay of Tabor Lindsay & Associates in Charleston.
Kanawha Circuit Court Case number 16-c-1706
