$1.3 Million Sanction Against Parkersburg Hospital

Shannon Weidemann

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A West Virginia Hospital has to pay a $1.3 Million sanction for its behavior during a medical malpractice case. Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital was sued following the death of one of its patients in 2001. The woman died of a lidocaine overdose during surgery on her ankle.

Camden-Clark's alleged misconduct included failing to disclose to the plaintiffs during discovery that Sherry Johnston, the hospital's risk manager, had knowledge of the case, Waters said. During discovery, parties are required to disclose relevant information about the case unless it is protected by attorney-client privilege.

"Ms. Johnston, the hospital's own corporate representative, had interviewed at least eight key witnesses and possessed numerous documents critical to the facts of the case," Waters wrote.

Waters said Johnston allegedly told at least two witnesses to throw away or destroy notes, copies or documents they had made about Boggs' surgery.

The jury has awarded $6.5 Million to the victim's family and the hospital is currently appealing that decision.