A class action lawsuit was filed October 31 in Putnam Circuit Court on behalf of all West Virginia residents against the former Putnam General Hospital -- now officially CAMC Teays Valley Hospital, for medical malpractice and professional negligence by failing to properly follow disinfection procedures relative to its endoscopic instruments.
The complaint, calling the conduct negligent, careless and reckless, was based on a November 1, 2004 letter from the hospital saying it had committed medical malpractice and/or professional negligence involving patients who underwent endoscopic procedures at the hospital between March 1, 2003, and September 30, 2004.
The plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, medical monitoring expenses, attorney fees and costs, pre- and post-judgment interest, and other relief – which is actually a very long list: medical bills for diagnostic and preventative treatment and for treatment of injuries; physical injury, temporary and permanent; severe emotional distress, mental pain and suffering; humiliation, embarrassment and fear; loss of enjoyment of life; loss of income, past and present; disability, disfigurement; medical monitoring expenses for diseases including hepatitis and AIDS; annoyance and inconvenience; and other damages.
I told you, that was a very long list. Hospitals, be very careful.