HUNTINGTON – An Ohio woman is suing a physical therapist and a Cabell County hospital over allegations that an unprofessional relationship resulted in personal injuries.
Deanna Thompson filed a complaint in Cabell Circuit Court against Sarah Sturm PT and St. Mary's Medical Center Inc. alleging negligence, assault and battery and other counts.
The suit states that the plaintiff was ordered to get physical therapy for eight weeks beginning in May 2018, and the defendants accepted her as a patient.
The plaintiff alleges she confided personal and private information to Sturm, her physical therapist, during her sessions, and they began a personal physical relationship. The suit states in April, Sturm admitted that her conduct with the plaintiff violated applicable West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy statutes and regulations.
The plaintiff alleges Sturm was negligent by entering into a relationship with her during the course of her therapy and failed to protect her private health information and St. Mary's Medical Center was negligent in failing to properly supervise Sturm.
The plaintiff is seeking interest, attorney fees and court costs. The plaintiff is represented by Debra A. Nelson of The Nelson Law Firm LLC in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The case has been assigned to Judge Gregory Howard.
Cabell Circuit Court Case number 19-C-376