CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Hospital Corporation of America and a
former subsidiary have agreed to settle 70 lawsuits alleging
malpractice by a former West Virginia physician.

The Charleston Gazette reports that the total amount of the
settlements and attorneys' fees won't be disclosed for several
weeks because they haven't been finalized.

Dr. John A. King is a defendant in 124 medical malpractice
lawsuits in West Virginia and two in Alabama.

The newspaper says King hasn't agreed to any settlements.

A physician's assistant who once worked with King, David McNair, has
agreed to settle cases against him.

Each of the West Virginia lawsuits alleges King botched surgeries or otherwise harmed patients during his six months at the former Putnam General Hospital.

Putnam General suspended his privileges in May 2003.

King later surrendered his West Virginia medical license.

HCA sold the hospital to Charleston Area Medical Center in 2006.