Physician's attorney files answer to wrongful death lawsuit

WORLAND — A response has been filed in connection with a wrongful death lawsuit filed last month.

Cheyenne-based attorney, George E. Powers, issued an answer on behalf of Worland physician, Dr. Edward Zimmerman.

The response is regarding a wrongful death lawsuit which was filed last month in connection to the death of Worland teacher Kevin R. Anderson. The original suit alleges that Zimmerman caused Anderson’s death by causing him to overdose on hydromorphone, a pain management medication. The suit further alleges that Zimmerman failed to recognize the signs of hydromorphone overdose including drowsiness and trouble standing. Plaintiff’s attorneys allege that Zimmerman is further responsible for Anderson’s death as he allegedly did not properly monitor him.

In the answer, the defense acknowledges that Zimmerman was the attending emergency room physician during the night of July 19 and early morning hours of July 20, 2013, the same time Anderson visited the Washakie Medical Center emergency room. Anderson died July 20, 2013.

The response, however, states that Zimmerman is not in any way responsible for Anderson’s death.

Individual allegations are addressed in the response with a blanket statement.

“Defendant denies the remaining allegations contained in (…) of Plaintiff’s Complaint to the extent that they misstate or omit relevant information from the records relating to the omission.”

According to the response, Anderson’s death is listed as “undetermined per autopsy.” Dr. Thomas L. Bennett of Billings, Mont., performed the autopsy and “found no significant drug or toxin to explain (Anderson’s) death,” the response alleges.

The original complaint alleged that Anderson could not stand under his own power after being administered hydromorphone and had to leave the emergency room in a wheelchair, a sign of hydromorphone overdose, according to the complaint.

Anderson was found dead by his wife, Stephanie Anderson (who is named as Anderson’s wrongful death representative) the next morning.

Donna Clothier was the registered nurse who also treated Anderson. She, along with Banner Health, is also named in the suit as she allegedly ignored the signs of hydromorphone overdose. Attorneys for Clothier and Banner have not released a response as of Monday.