Libby asbestos clinic hit with new lawsuit

Libby’s asbestos clinic is facing another lawsuit, this time alleging medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims of disabling Lincoln County residents by prescribing them opioid pain killers following the misdiagnosis of health issues.

The civil suit filed Oct. 10 in Lincoln County District Court by a local man and the son of a man who died several years ago alleges medical malpractice against Dr. Charles Brad Black and the Center for Asbestos Related Disease, including Executive Director Tracy McNew. The court filing also argues the clinic knew or should have known both men didn’t satisfy diagnostic requirements for asbestos-related disease and should not have been giving opioid pain medications in the manner prescribed by the clinic's providers.  

Additional defendants are Michelle Boltz, who was a licensed nurse practitioner at the clinic, Miles Miller, who was a physician’s assistant at the clinic, as well as John Does 1-10, representing board members, directors, officers and employees of the clinic.