CHARLESTON — A woman is suing Advanced Physical Therapy for an injury she sustained in physical therapy.
Grenda S. Hawk went to the physical therapist on Jan. 16, 2020, and was noted to have severe weakness in her right quadriceps and that she had a knee flexion contracture and had not been able to straighten her right leg/knee for at least one year, according to a complaint filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Hawk claims PT Mattingly set a goal of four weeks for quadriceps strength and the plan of care was approved by the supervising PT, PT Tridico.
While her quadriceps weakness improved somewhat, it was clear that she continued to demonstrate weakness and she fell on Feb. 15, 2020, which was documented in her APT records, according to the suit.
Hawk claims on March 3, 2020, she fell at physical therapy and her knee was assessed and she was able to walk to the mat table, but there was increased swelling and a burning sensation in her knee. It was iced and exercises were stopped, but none of the therapists advised her to seek medical attention.
Hawk claims she presented to her doctor on March 10, 2020, and reported the knee pain to the doctor, who diagnosed her with a quadriceps muscle/tendon rupture and she had surgery on March 16, 2020.
The defendant did not follow the applicable standard of care for her and breached standards of care when it involves fall risks, according to the suit.
Hawk is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is represented by Kelly R. Reed and Traci M. Cook of the Law Offices of Kelly R. Reed PLLC in Morgantown.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Tera Salango.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 22-C-654