W.Va. Doctor Facing Malpractice Lawsuits Files for Bankruptcy

A former West Virginia doctor facing more than 120 medical malpractice cases lists few assets and a pile of debt in a document filed as part of his bankruptcy proceedings in Alabama.

John King’s assets consist of a 1993 Volvo worth $500 and pending lawsuits of uncertain value, according to the document, which was filed Tuesday. Court records indicate King owes various creditors more than $125,000, but that he has not worked this year and has no income.

The filing doesn’t mention more than a dozen corporations, trusts and other legal entities he told a Putnam County Circuit Court held about $10,000 in assets last December. His bankruptcy attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment Thursday.

King filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, meaning his debts could be eliminated.

The bankruptcy filing could delay the lawsuits filed against King alleging malpractice during his tenure as an orthopedic surgeon at the former Putnam General Hospital. Several plaintiffs have asked the bankruptcy court to allow those cases to move forward. A hearing is scheduled for Dec. 20 in Birmingham, Ala.

Putnam General hired King in November 2002 and suspended his privileges the following May after a review of his work. King has since surrendered his West Virginia medical license, moved to Alabama and changed his name to Christopher Wallace Martin, though he filed for bankruptcy as King.

In July, a Putnam County jury found the hospital was negligent when it hired King. The verdict means Putnam General will be a co-defendant in the malpractice suits.

Charleston Area Medical Center bought the 65-bed hospital from HCA Inc. last year and operates it as CAMC Teays Valley.

Topics Medical Professional Liability