Ohio University responded last week to a medical negligence lawsuit filed by a former journalism student who says doctors at Hudson Health Center didn't properly treat her for a serious infection that resulted in the amputation of her right arm and shoulder.
In a four-page response, two assistant attorneys general, representing the university, denied that doctors at the health center acted negligently and didn't follow accepted standards of medical care. The attorneys also denied allegations that the university knew Hudson had a history of providing substandard medical care.
The former journalism student, 20-year-old Molly Millsop, and her parents sued OU in January. Scott Millsop, Molly Millsop's father, said he hadn't read the filing.
Dwight Brannon, the family's attorney, could not immediately be reached for comment.
As policy, assistant attorneys general don't comment on filings, said Brian Kneafsey, Jr., an assistant attorney general. He referred comment to a spokesperson for the office.
The state's response, a legal formality, will be followed by requests for discovery that will allow the attorneys and Brannon to examine documents related to the lawsuit. In Ohio, state judges hear complaints against government entities, like OU, and decide them without a jury trial. The Millsops asked for $25,000, plus other damages.
In the response, the attorneys argue that the court lacks jurisdiction to hear all of the Millsop's claims, that state law limits damages and that the university is immune from such lawsuits.
Molly Millsop's case centers on two visits to Hudson in September 2007. Doctors there diagnosed her with dizziness, sore throat and anxiety, according to her complaint.
Scott Millsop, concerned about his daughter, drove to Athens and took Molly Millsop to O'Bleness Memorial Hospital. There, doctors discovered Molly Millsop had necrotizing faciitis, a potentially deadly infection commonly known as flesh-eating bacteria.
O'Bleness had Molly Millsop flown by helicopter to the Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, where doctors amputated her right arm and shoulder.
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Dave Hendricks
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Molly Millsop
