WINFIELD – A widow alleges a physician deviated from the standard of care in her late husband's failed surgery.
Donna Gray, individually and as personal representative of the estate of Brian Gray, filed a complaint on Jan. 12 in Putnam Circuit Court against David Summers Ratliff, MD alleging medical negligence.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on July 12, 2016, her husband, Brian Gray, underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery performed by defendant. The suit states that as a result of defendant's unsuccessful operation, Brian Gray died on Aug. 7, 2016, from the catastrophic injuries and medical complications.
The plaintiff holds Ratliff responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to follow rules and guidelines which apply to surgery for a decompensated liver failure patient and should have considered transferring Brian Gray to a higher level of care facility after the failed surgery.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensation for all damages as permitted by law, attorney's fees, costs and expenses. She is represented by Richard E. Holtzapfel of Holtzapfel Law Offices PLLC in Hurricane. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Phillip M. Stowers.
Putnam Circuit Court case number 18-C-11