CLEARWATER — A widow, as representative of her deceased husband, is suing St. Petersburg medical providers, alleging wrongful death.
Debra Prior filed a complaint Nov. 6 in Pinellas Circuit Court against Dr. Eli M. Kolp and St. Anthony's Hospital, alleging the medical providers failed to exercise standard medical care and skill.
According to the complaint, on Jan. 15, David Prior was transported to the emergency department of St. Anthony's Hospital after an attempted suicide. The suit says he was not considered a danger to himself and was released. The lawsuit states Prior died Jan. 18 by jumping off the Sunshine Skyway Brige..
The lawsuit states Debra Prior was caused to suffer hospitalization and/or funeral expenses, loss of support and services, loss of companionship and protection, mental pain and suffering, as a result of the negligent medical and psychiatric care and treatment of the decedent. The suit says the defendants inappropriately recommended discharge of David Prior, resulting in the wrongful death.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to timely and appropriately appreciate the severity of David Prior's psychiatric condition and mental instability, and failed to timely and appropriately perform a suicide risk assessment.
Debra Prior seeks trial by jury, damages in excess of $15,000, interest and court costs. She is represented by attorney Andy B. Steingold of Maney & Gordon PA in Tampa.
Pinellas Circuit Court case number 17-CA-6601