In a tragic turn of events, the family of David Edward Turner has filed a lawsuit against a medical center and a doctor, alleging negligence that led to Turner’s untimely death. The complaint was lodged by Angela Turner Sudduth and Joseph D. Turner in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on February 5, 2026, targeting West Georgia Medical Center, Inc., Wellstar Health System, Inc., and Dr. Brad Bowyer.
The case revolves around a routine colonoscopy procedure performed on February 9, 2024, at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange, Georgia. During this procedure, David Turner suffered severe injuries to his spleen and colon due to alleged excessive force used by Dr. Bowyer. The plaintiffs argue that this resulted in hemoperitoneum—bleeding into the abdominal cavity—leading to cardiac arrest and ultimately Turner’s death. According to the complaint, “Defendants used excessive and misdirected force in the procedure,” breaching the standard of care expected from medical professionals.
Angela Turner Sudduth and Joseph D. Turner claim that their father was not adequately evaluated for potential complications like splenic rupture before being discharged from the hospital. They allege that Dr. Bowyer failed to provide necessary instructions or refer Turner to another facility capable of handling such complications timely. The complaint further states that when Turner returned home post-procedure, he followed all discharge instructions but still experienced severe pain and distress.
On February 10, 2024, David Turner was rushed to Tanner Medical Center’s Emergency Department in cardiac arrest but unfortunately passed away despite resuscitation efforts. His cause of death was recorded as cardiac arrest due to hemoperitoneum—a condition caused by internal bleeding linked directly back to the colonoscopy performed by Dr. Bowyer.
The plaintiffs accuse West Georgia Medical Center and Wellstar Health System of failing to ensure their staff were qualified enough to handle such procedures safely or recognize foreseeable complications promptly. They assert these failures amount to negligence under Georgia Code §51-1-27 which mandates reasonable care and skill in medical practice.
Angela Sudduth seeks damages for her father’s wrongful death along with compensation for his pre-death suffering while acting as both his daughter and personal representative of his estate alongside co-plaintiff Joseph D.Turner who also stands as surviving next-of-kin seeking justice through this legal action against those they hold responsible for their father’s demise.
Represented by attorney Thomas J.Knight from Hubbard & Knight law firm based out Anniston Alabama; they demand judgment against defendants including compensatory damages exceeding $10k per category covering life value loss pain & suffering funeral costs litigation expenses among others while requesting punitive measures be considered given severity outlined within detailed allegations presented throughout comprehensive filing submitted before presiding Judge Case ID:1:26-cv-00677-SCJ
Source: 126cv00677_Angela_Turner_v_West_Georgia_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georgia.pdf
