HomeMy WebLinkAbout99-06755
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Arlene O. Freiman, Esquire
Attorney I.D. "21197
KOLBER R "REIMAN
1530 Chestnut Street
Suite 60.1
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 567-133 3
Attorney lilr Plaintil'Is
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
COUR"L'017COt\INION PLEAS
James 11. Hunt, Jr., and Kathryn G. Hunt
IlusbanJ and Wile
581 Richard Way
Severna Park. 1Jaryl.111l 21146
CIVIL DIVISION
JURYTRIAL DEMANDED
Vs.
1lenry K. Smith, D.O.
1515 Bridge Street
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania 17070
and
Smith Radiology
1515 Bridt,e Street
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania 17070
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1.2\%Ner's Referral S. hirunnatiun Service
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, I'cunsviNania
(717) 2-19-3166
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Arlene (D. Freiman, Esquire
Attorney I.D. "121197
K01-13EIZ & FREI\IAN
1530 Chestnut Street Atloutev fi)r I'!mntitls
Suite 601
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 567-1 333
CUMBEHLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
COURTOFCOMMON PLEAS
James 1-1. I-Iunt,.le,:utd Kathryn G. Hunt
Husband and Nile CIVIL DIVISION
5S1 Richard Nay
Severna Park, Maryland 21146
es.
Henry K. Smith, D.O.
1515 13ridZe Strect
New Cumberland. Pennsylvania 17070
and
Smith Radiology
1515 Bri4-c Street
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania 17070
JURY TRIAL DENIANDBD
NO. 7 7'Y ?'%c•J 7
COMPLAINT
Plaintiffs, James EL (Lunt Jr. and Kathryn G. Bunt, husband and wife, are citizens
and residents of the State of klarylarid residing therein at 5S I Richard Way in Severna Park.
Dclendam, Henry K. Smith, D.O., was at all relevant times hereto an osteopathic
physician licenced to practice osteopathic medicine in the State of lMaryhmd anti the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania xvilh a specialty in the lield of ratlioloasy who maintained an
office at 15 15 Bridge Street in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Defendant Smith practices
individually and through his practice. Smith Radiology.
3. Defendant Smith Radiology is the name of'a radiology practice which includes
Henry K. Smith, D.O., and which maintains an office at 1515 Bridge Street, New Cumberland,
Pennsylvania 17070.
a. At M I times malarial Marvin, the Dclendmu I Icnry K. Smith, D.O.. %vas acting
individually and through his agents, servants and etnplopces andur apparent agents who were
authorized and acting within the scopes of their agency and authority.
5. At al Ili rocs mateAd hereto, the Defendant II cnry K. Smith, D.O.. was acting as
agent, servant, e ntployce and/or apparent agent of Smith Radiology.
6. At aH tines mmcrial harcto. the Defendant Ffcnry K. Smith, D.O.. and Smith
Radiology were employed by Concentra Managed Care Services, Inc., it hutllh CCIre facilit; i1i
Anne Arundel County- Maryland, for the purpose of reading and imer-INcting x-ray and imaging
films which were transmitted andkir sent to Defendant Smith and Smith Radiology in
Pennsylvania.
7. On or about June 24, 1997, Phintiff.lamcs III. Hunt. Jr.. was under the care of
physicians at Cencenu-a Managed Care Services, Inc., ?vhu ordered an x-ray study of Plaintiffs
Ieft foot which was siV to Defendant Smith and Smith Radiology for radiologic interpretation.
S. At Ihat time, Defcntiartt Smith and Snlith Radiology dill negligently and carelessly
produce a substandard and erroneous report, reporting no cr idcnce of fracture and misdiagnosing
Plaintiff's condition as a sprain axl strain of the left fool and ankle.
9. The rcionrt and diagnosis of Defendant Smith and Smith Radiology %vere incorrect
and below the standard of reasonable medical awe as the x-ray acttudly showed a clearly
displaced fracb.tre of the calcancus, involving the calcencocuboid joint.
10. Asa result of the misdiagnosis by Defendant Smith and Smith Radiology,
plaintiff vas prescribed an ill-advised. rigorous course ofphysical therapy for the treatment of
his left foot and ankle. and was irsUuctcd that he was Of to return to work. 'this course of
treatment, prescribed Lisa result of nti sdiagnosis by Defendants Smith and Smith Radiology,
arty served to worsen the plaintiffs condition and cause severe and intolerable pain and other
injuries, described More particularly hcreinallcr.
1 1. Asa result of the worsenim, of Iris condition ;Intl intractable pain, on November
13, 1997, plaintiffsought a second opinion from 1111 orthopedic surgeon in Maryland, not a
defendant in this case, wIlo rcvicivetl the identical x-ray III Iill interpreted by Dcfcntlant Sill itli and
Smith Radiology all(] immediately;uttl correctly diagnosed I laintill's injury as a displaced
facture of the c:lcancus involving the ca]cancocuboid joint.
12. On November 13, 1997, while seeking that second opinion, Plaintiff.lames 1-I.
Hunt, Jr., learned for the first time that his injury had becu misdiagnosed and misreported by
Defendant Smith all([ Smith Radiology, that he actually sustained a displaced fracture as
hereinafter described, and that the finding ofdisplaccd f-acture had been apparent on the x-ray
film ofJune 27, 1997, which Defendant Smith and Smith Radiology negligently misinterpreted.
13. From the time he came unt]er the care of Defendant Henry K. Smith, D.0., and
Smith Radiology on .[tine 24, 1997, until his condition became unbearable causing him to seek
the second opinion out November 13, 1997, plaintiff relict) on Defendants' x-ray interpretation
and diagnosis.
14. From the time he came under the care of Defendant Smith and Smith Radiology
on June 24, 1997, until his condition becanie unbearable causing him to seek the second opinion
on November 13, 1997, plaintiff relied upon the reports and assurances of both defendants and
his physicians at Concentra Managed Care Services, Inc., firom whom lie received continuing
care.
15. The negligence, carelessness and recklessness of the Defendant Henry K.
Smith, D.O., and Smith Radiology consisted of [lie following:
a) failure to provide reasonable medical care under the circumstances;
b) failure to exercise that degree ofskill anti care required by a radiologist;
c) failure to properly diagnosis and report it displaced fracture of the calcattcus
involving the calcaneocuboid joint;
(]) failure to properly interpret and report findings on x-ray;
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c) failure to meet the standards of a physici;ut acting as it specialist in the field of
radiology;
f) engtloying inadequate or inappropriate inethods, equipment, materials,
techniques anti procedures for the care of the plaintiff;
erroneously reporting it sprain and strain to plaintiff and his relcrrel physicians
thereby depriving plaintif f of proper treatment;
h) submitting a radiology report c%-:boating pleiotif I's h ;.,rv which was
inadequate, erroneous, and below the standard that is expected aid rcquircd by it physician and
radiologist;
i) negligence as it mater of law;
J) negligence res his-i" for uil tur;
k) such other acts of ne,ligcnce as shall be ascertained upon completion of
discovery procedures or at trial pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rides of Civil Procedure.
16. "file injuries suffered bythe plaintiff were caused by the acts and omissions of
Defendants hercin and were caused in oo part whatsoever by any act or failure to act on the part
of the plaintiff.
First Cause of Action
.lames II. 111111t. 'It.. vs. Defendants
17. plaintiff.hunes 1-I. I hunt. Jr. hereby incorporates by reference all of the preceding
paragraphs of this complaint its if they were set forth fully and at length hercin.
is. As a direct 1111d proximate result of the negligence, carelessness aunt recklessness
of the Defendants I leery K. Smith, D.O., and Smith Radiology, plaintiff James I I- Bunt, Jr., has
suffered improper healing of a displaced fracture of the calc:utcus involving tile calcaoco-cuboid
joint, improper Fusin, of the fractured bones, the need for adefilional surgery, specifically an
intentional rebreaking of the bones wish it subsequent open surgical reduction and the insertion of
hardware. it propensity for pre-mature arthritis, an extended period of disability, permanent
scarring, excruciating physical pain. inability to walk properly and without assistance, severe
psychological truurta and emotional distress, mental anguish, anxiety and depression, all of
%ahich are or ntay be permanent in nature and kill continue indefinitely into the future to It is
areal detriment and loss.
19. As it direct and proximate result Of the negligence. carelessness and recklessness
of Be Uclcntl:un Henry K. Smith, D.O. and Smith Racliology. Plaintiff.lantcs J. Want, In has
been forced to expend large sums of money in an effort to treat and cure himself, which
expendim continues permanently into the future to his grit detriment and loss.
211. As it direct and proximate resuh of the negligence, carelessness and recklessness
of Be Defendant Henry K. Smith. D.O., and Sntith Radiology, plaintifT,lames.l. Hunt, Jr., has
suffered and will continue to suffer it loss ofearnings and earning capacity which loss will
continue permanently into the future to his great detriment and loss.
21. As it direct and proximate result of the negligence, carclcssness and recklessness
of the Defendant Henry K smith, D.O.. and Smith Racliology. Plaintiff James.l. Ihntl, Jr., has
suffered it loss of life% plcasures which loss will continue permanently into the future to his great
deldtrientand loss.
21 As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness and recklessness
of the Dclenelant Henry R. Smith, D.O., and Smith Racliology, Plaintiff James J. Bunt, Jr., has
been unable to attend to his usual occupations, avocations and duties. which losses will continue
permanently into the fiture to his great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, MintiffJantes J. Hunt, Jr., denuutds judgment against the Defendants
IJcnry K. Smith, D.O., and Smith Racliology A an amount in excess owwooo.Oo, plus interest,
costs and delay damages.
Second Cause of'Action
Kaihrvn G. Bunt Vs. 130th Defendmtts
23. MaintiIT, Kathryn G. Hunt, hereby incorporates pantgm,hs I through 22 as iflhey
were set forth hilly and at length herein.
,e
24. Asa dircct and proximate result of the nc,li?encc, ruclcssncss and recklessness
of Defendants Flcnry K. Smith. D.O., and Smith Radioloey, Plaintiff Kathryn 6- Ilunt was
required to suffer deprivation of the Society, scr l tconthutclto'so suflhr iand ndcllti IclYtintottho futw'c
husband for a prolonged period of tittle, and %%d
to tier great detriment and loss.
stilt
?j, As a direct and proximate t? of the ne,li,encc, carelessness and recklessness
of Defendants I Icnry K. Smith, D.O., and Sntith Radiolo:;y. Plaintiff Kathryn G. 1111111 has been
Will
required to expend various sums for the medical t'eatlnd, ceonont.y'c trinoait s?Inch tloss t ul
to encoura,c his rccupcratiott, to tier substantial loss
continoc indefinitclY into the foture.
in deill"llids
a,,aillst the NIIEREFORE, I'idt Sntiftl?R arl ologYHunt
intcxcess of S50,000-00, plus lintcrest,
henry K. Smith, D.O., ai
costs and delay danlaves.
KOLBER & FREEMAN
131': ,:..
Arlcne 0. Freiman. Esquire
AttorneY for Plaintiffs
.lames 11. Bunt, .Ir., and Kathryn G. I-lust
N'GItIFIc,*%TION
james 11. 1 loot. Jr.. hereby state that he is the plaintiff in this action and veri lies that the
true and correct to the best of his kno%cledge.
statements oracle in the IiiregoinC, C'rnnpLtinl are
information and belief. The undersigned understands that the statements therein are made
subject to the penalties of IS Ni. C.S. Section 4904 relating to unsa'orn falsification to
authorities.
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Court ofConinlon Pleas of Cumberland Ceuntv --eE=:.,::n•.[•, c :r:.. C,rI
1'6al Division
_ "chil cover sheet
James 11. Hunt, Jr. (h/w) Henry K. Smith, D.O.
581 Richard way 1515 Bridge Street
Severna Park, Maryland 21146 Nee Cumberland
Pennsylvania 17070
,
Kathrvn G. Hunt 01 /W) Smith Radiolcgy
IUI'ITIf[S ACC.LCC - .C i;
591 Richard way 1515 Bridge Street
Severna Park, Maryland 211,16 Ne:a Cumberland, Pennsylvania 17070
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1ELATEO a[VCCIG CASES Ilur 0, 0ae41 YUOEn[ . Ira:arF wn.m+r •n+ 1-1.: IF+F +A.A d.- Gmaee.nc?l
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Anne Arundel County, Maryland
I5C-99-56030C
NAVE OF PLAnRIF[C APOELIANTS ATTCPNE° aDCPESS .:a+ rmhucrnn 4
KOLBER & FREI MAN
Arlene 0. Freiman 1530 Chestnut St reet, Suite"604
PNCNENUVEER SaRPE4EC.CURT1OE1O F•=[rIGNr.0 Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 567-1333 No. 21197
SIGNATIRE / ': ` 'DATE
/ ForcKcial use only
.TAiJS T 11. LI5T NEIT COURT ACT:cN I
? I00i Dc:-c=d ? 1010 Arbitzion • ? 1101 Arbitration Hearing ? 1102 Scilcmcnt Conte¢nce
? 1011 luny Date: ? 1103 IlcainE?vial
? 1012 ?ion-Jury nmc: ? 1104 Slatus COnfC.C.1cC
FLLnm FEE ? 1013 Agenc.rraxAppenls 1en «r
" 1105Other
? 1014 Mass Tort `
SUCet Date
? IOIS Other ) Time:
clphty 19103
1?
d Place
01.101
Arlene 0. F'reimmn, Esquire
Attorney I.D. #21197
KOLBER & FREEMAN
1530 Chestnut Street Attorney for Plaintiffs
Suite 604
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(315) 567-1333
CUMBERLAND COUN'T'Y, PENNSYLVANIA
COURT Or COMMON PLE'sAS
.lames 1-I. Hunt, Jr., and Kathryn G. I-Iant
Husband and Wife CIVIL DIVISION
SSI Richard Way
Severna Park, Maryland 21 146 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
VS.
Flenry K. Smith, D.O.
1515 Bridge Street
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania 17070
and
Smith Radiology NO. % `i e 7 5 2 C 1'
1515 Bridge Street
New Cumberl• rld Pennsylvania 17070
JURY DEMAND
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Plaintiffs James I-1. Hunt, Jr., and Kathryn G. Hunt demand a jury of twelve (12) persons
in the above titled natter.
KOLBER & FREIMAN
BY:-
rlene 0. Freiman, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Janes H. Flunt, Jr., and Kathryn G. Hunt
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SHERIFF'S PETUP.N - REGULAR
CASE NO: 1D99-06755 P
COMNdONIWEAL'I'H OF PF..NNSYLVANIA:
COUDPI"i OF CUMBERLAND
HUN'P JAMES H JR LT A.?,_
v5.
SIIC .:,r i:6 Gll t'_d ?i l:c rlff OL
HARRISON
CUMBERLAND County, Pennsplvat ..?:o u_:i:g du1} _,eror11 according
to says, the
the
----
open -SMITE HENRY K D-0
defenddnt, at 15.16:00 HOURS, on the 12th daV Ot NOVe^irer
1999 at 1515 BRIDGE STREET_ ----
g IDERLAND
NEW CUMBERLA-ND, PA 17070 _-
County, Pen: Sylvania, by handing to MILLIE SMITH TANAGER _
ted c
d o of the CON,iPLAINJT
a true attes
an py
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof
SI-IC-r-°_f's Costs: S^ any?:G:I?!??.1. //?(????0
Docketing 15.00
Service 10;00
AfiidaYiC R- rl:Jilas ri ine, ?i er`itf
Surcharge S-00
moo: %:OLBHR a FREI:4AN
11/15/1999 ,
by
i?
sworn and subscribed to b_-fore me
this _13 `L day of /iltcc, _ k
19 q`f A.D.
?°(oti:o;otai'?
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 1999-06755 P
COi4MON[•:EALTH OF PENNSYLVADIIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
HUNT JAMES H JR ET AL
vs.
SMITH F:ENRY K D 0 ET AL
SHAWN HARRISON Sheriff: or Deputy Sheriff: of
CUi4BERLAND County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according
to law, says, the v:ithin COMPLAINT was served
upon SMITH RADIOLOGY the
defendant, at 1546:00 HOURS, on the 12th day of November
1999 at 1515 BRIDGE STREET
NEW CUMBERLAND, PA 17070 CUMBERLAND
County, Pennsylvania, by handing to MILLI-E SMITH MANAGER
a true and attested copy of the COMPLAINT
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs: So answers:
Docketing 6.00
Service 00
Af f i davi t .00
Surcharge 8.00 r : ii omas Krine; Sheri f
ST. KKILBER & FREIMAN
11/15/1999
by
putnE -r.
Sworn and subscribed to before me
this _Y.!)' day of 15s, ?? -
19 9c/ A. D.
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