Parents Sue Surgeon, Hospital for Daughter's Death
Friday, January 16, 2009
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OKLAHOMA CITY An Edmond couple whose teenage daughter died during surgery are now suing the surgeon, anesthesiologist and the hospital.
Sixteen-year-old Heather Harkness died Sept. 9 during surgery for appendicitis.
An autopsy found she died of blood loss after a carotid artery was cut during the surgery.
The lawsuit by David and Susan Harkness says surgeon Walter Bell was negligent and that other patients of his have died or been injured during surgery. It claims Integris Baptist Medical Center is at fault for letting him operate there.
A hospital spokeswoman declined to discuss the lawsuit. Bell could not be reached for comment.