WINFIELD — A woman says Charleston Area Medical Center and a physician failed to properly care for her and treat her.
Dr. Hossam Saleh Tarakji was the physician named in the suit.
Nicole Cooper claims she presented for treatment from Tarakji and CAMC on Aug. 20, 2021, following lower abdominal cramping discomfort for two days, according to a complaint filed in Putnam Circuit Court.
"She had no associated nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or history of fever or chills," the complaint states. "Oral intake made her symptoms worse. She reported similar symptoms a year ago when she had colitis."
Cooper claims she had a normal bowel movement the previous day and, upon examination, her vitals were stable and her abdomen was documented as having slight bilateral lower quadrant tenderness.
A broad set of labs was ordered and CT imaging with contrast was performed over the abdomen and levis, according to the suit. Lab results revealed a white blood count of 19,200.
Cooper claims her lab findings deserved special attention because they gave evidence of her having a major response to an overwhelming infection.
"Ms. Cooper's labs also reveal a dangerously abnormal lactic acid level, which was appropriately flagged as a critical value," the complaint states. "Lactic acid levels are followed closely in potential infectious diseases because this measure gives fundamental evidence that the body is unable to provide adequate circulation and is failing to adequately oxygenate the tissues."
An order was then entered under the hospital's possible severe sepsis/septic shock protocol that included antibiotics, however, blood samples for blood cultures were not drawn until after the antibiotics were administered and gave misleading negative blood cultures, according to the suit.
Cooper claims Tarakji diagnosed her with benign gastroenteritis, despite the alarming findings in her initial evaluation.
Cooper claims she should have been admitted but she was not.
As a direct and proximate result of the Defendants' negligence, carelessness, recklessness and deviation from the appropriate standards of care...Cooper suffered permanent injuries: worsened sepsis and septic shock; required extended hospitalizations and recovery; incurred additional medical treatment and bills and will incur medical bills in the future; suffered permanent and substantial physical deformity and loss of function; she suffered an inability to perform household chores and duties...and suffered a loss of income," the complaint states.
Cooper is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is represented by Tony L. O'Dell and Cheryl A. Fisher of Tiano O'Dell in Charleston.
Putnam Circuit Court case number: 23-C-76