ROANE WOMAN SUES JACKSON DOCTOR OVER HUSBAND'S DEATH

(01/14/2011)
Jackson doctor blamed for Roane man's death, suit alleges

By Lawrence Smith
Jackson Bureau - wvrecord.com

RIPLEY - A Roane County woman is suing a Jackson County doctor for the wrongful death of her husband.

Bonnie Bowen filed suit against Dr. Arif Malik in Jackson Circuit Court on Dec. 30. In her complaint, Bowen, 65, of Reedy, alleges Malik's failure to conduct tests on her husband, Richard, in 2008 resulted in his death from cancer.

According to her suit, Richard went to see Malik, 49, a Ravenswood physician, on an unspecified date. Malik's diagnosis showed Richard possibly had cancer in or around his bladder.

Despite that, Bowen says Malik would not order procedures to test for cancer. The reason, Bowen alleges, is that Malik believed Richard's "health otherwise would prevent him from being able to withstand such testing."

On an unspecified date, Richard consulted with another doctor who said he could withstand the testing. Again on an unspecified date, Bowen successfully withstood the test which concluded he had cancer.

Because the cancer was in its advanced stages by that point, Bowen alleges it was too late for Richard to undergo surgery to halt it. According to the suit, he died on Dec. 31, 2008.

Bowen seeks unspecified damages, interest, court costs and attorney fees. She is represented by Barboursville attorney R. Stephen Jarrell.

The case is assigned to Judge Thomas C. Evans III.

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