CHARLESTON — A Charleston obstetrician denies allegations against him in a lawsuit claiming he was negligent in his care for one of his patients
"Plaintiffs' injuries and damages, if any, were the proximate result of natural disease processes, accidental injuries and/or illnesses and not the negligence of this defendant, his agents, servants or employees," the answer states.
Dr. Randall J. Hill and his practice argue that if the plaintiff suffered injuries and damages as a result of negligence, that was someone else's negligence and not his or his practice.
"The alleged damages suffered by Plaintiffs, if any, were not proximately caused by any act or omission of Defendants, or their agents, servants and employees," the answer states.
Christina Wright filed the lawsuit individually and on behalf of her deceased baby against Dr. Randall J. Hill, Randall J. Hill MD PLLC, Charleston Area Medical Center and Dr. Bonnie Jean Bailey, according to a complaint filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Wright presented to CAMC's Women's and Children's Hospital's Emergency Department with mild pelvic cramping, no menstrual cycle for two months and a positive home pregnancy test.
Lab results were performed that revealed an elevated quantitative hCG level, as well as an elevated progesterone level, according to the suit.
Wright claims imaging studies revealed a thickened endometrium with no intrauterine pregnancy visualized and further revealed a pseudo-sac in the endometrium and an area of concern adjacent to the left ovary, which was difficult to discern if this was due to postsurgical changes, irregular anatomy or an ectopic pregnancy.
Hill determined over the phone that Wright's pregnancy was ectopic and requested that the department discuss her medical options to abort the pregnancy of Baby Wright, according to the suit.
Wright claims she opted for methotrexate over surgery and Bailey ordered the methotrexate and administered it to Wright to terminate her pregnancy. She was then discharged.
On Oct. 25, 2019, she presented to the emergency department again with pelvic pain and imaging studies showed a "small area suspicious for hemorrhage seen in uterus" and the assessment at this time was a suspected intrauterine pregnancy and her progesterone and hCG levels had increased.
Wright claims the care and treatment she was provided by the defendants was negligent, careless and reckless. She claims they improperly assumed her pregnancy was ectopic and caused the wrongful termination of her pregnancy.
Wright is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is represented by Robert B. Warner, Andrew D. Byrd and David L. Shuman Jr. of Warner Law Offices in Charleston.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Joanna Tabit.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 21-C-807
