A Brunswick County fire chief is behind a new medical malpractice lawsuit against a local hospital following the death of his mother.
Southport Fire Chief and resident Charles Drew is suing several Novant Health entities and a physician, claiming a series of failures at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center led to Juanita Bowling Jones' death in early 2025.
Drew, serving as the duly appointed administrator of Jones' estate, filed a medical malpractice suit in Brunswick County Superior Court in August for the "wrongful death" of his mother. The complaint names Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, Novant Health, Inc., several affiliated Novant entities and Dr. Jane Anne Shaw as defendants.
"We extend our deepest condolences to those grieving
the loss of a loved one, however, we are unable to disclose details concerning the care of a patient or discuss active litigation," Novant spokesperson Julian March said.
When reached for comment, both Drew and his representing attorney Kevin Bullard declined.
The complaint lays out the family's allegations, details Jones' final days and seeks damages for wrongful death, medical negligence and gross negligence.
Concerns raised before the fall
According to the complaint, Jones was admitted to Novant Health Brunswick Medical Centeron Jan. 16, 2025, after experiencing nausea, weakness and other symptoms. Medical records cited in the lawsuit indicate hospital staff identified her as a fall risk.
Shortly after her admission, Drew allegedly spoke with the nursing staff about his mother's condition.
The lawsuit states Drew told staff Jones had previously fallen at home, was unsteady on her feet and needed assistance when walking. He was allegedly assured that precautions would be taken and that she would not be allowed to get up without help.
Drew also requested to be notified if there were any significant changes in her condition, according to the complaint.
Fall and brain bleed
Two days later after 10 p.m., staff found Jones on the floor of the hospital bathroom after what the lawsuit describes as an "unwitnessed fall." A CT scan around 11:03 p.m. revealed a 4mm thick hematoma and the medical records report "critical result" called to Jane Shaw.
The complaint alleges Jones' condition steadily worsened after the fall. Medical imaging taken several hours later allegedly showed the hemorrhage expanded to 6mm, while nurses documented headaches, confusion, drowsiness and other neurological symptoms. The lawsuit also claims Jones became increasingly lethargic and struggled with speech as her condition deteriorated.
A certified nursing assistant notified the nurse of Jones' worsening condition throughout the morning after her fall on Jan. 19, according to court documents. However, the nurse allegedly responded that she was busy with another patient at around 9:09 a.m.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., the rapid response team was called to Jones based on her life-threatening condition. She became unresponsive, requiring emergent intubation.
The complaint alleged that no physician or licensed nurse had responded to repeated requests by the certified nursing assistant to assess Jones that morning. In addition, Drew claims he was never informed when his mother fell or when doctors discovered the brain bleed, only after Jones became unconscious and required intubation.
"At no time on Jan. 18, 2025 was [Drew] notified by the defendant hospital of any issues regarding fall procedures or that Jones had fallen and suffered subdural hematoma," the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit repeatedly references fall precautions, alleging they were either inadequately implemented or not followed; despite knowing Jones was at risk of falling.
Transfer delays, emergency surgery and death
One of the lawsuit's central claims involves the timing of Jones' transfer for specialized neurological care.
According to the complaint, neurosurgical consultation was obtained after the brain bleed was identified. However, Jones remained at Brunswick Medical Center while her neurological condition continued to decline.
A medical flight was considered but could not proceed due to weather conditions. Jones was transported by ground ambulance and did not arrive at Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center until approximately 12:30 p.m.
After arriving at the New Hanover facility, Jones underwent emergency neurosurgery, specifically a decompressiveleft hemicraniectomy, for evacuation of a subdural hematoma.
The family believes the subdural hematoma she suffered after the fall ultimately caused her death two days later, on Jan. 21, 2025.
What the lawsuit alleges
The family accuses the defendants of failing to prevent Jones' fall, adequately monitor her afterward, recognize signs of neurological decline and timely transfer her for specialized care.
The lawsuit further alleges the defendants' conduct amounted to gross negligence and reckless disregard for Jones' safety. In addition to wrongful death damages, the family is seeking punitive damages.
Court records from Sept. 18 show Novant attorney Houston Foppiano requested additional time to investigate the claims and prepare an answer to the complaint. Foppiano has not yet filed a response to the allegations.
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Savanna Tenenoff covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at stenenoff@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Brunswick fire chief alleges care failures at Novant hospital | Exclusive
