Med-mal trial set for February in case against Belleville neurologist

St. Clair County Circuit Judge Vincent Lopinot is set to preside over a medical malpractice trial involving a Belleville neurologist beginning Feb. 4.

Plaintiff Lisa Quick sued Dr. Stephen Burger on May 25, 2011, claiming he failed to recognize a growing cut on her brain. The suit specifically alleges Burger failed to appreciate the significance of a one-centimeter lesion adjacent to her right carotid siphon.

Quick, represented by attorney Rex Carr, alleges the lesion doubled in size in nearly a year’s time.

Because of the growing brain tissue, Quick alleges she developed injuries to her brain and her brain stem. She claims she suffers double vision, headaches and memory loss. In addition, she says she suffered disability and permanent pain, incurred medical costs, lost wages, and enjoyment of life, according to her complaint.

She says Burger negligently failed to refer her to a neurosurgeon in a timely manner to treat the lesion.

Burger, represented by Ted Dennis of Freeark, Harvey & Mendillo in Belleville, has denied the allegations.

In his affirmative defenses, Burger claims the plaintiff had a duty to exercise care for her own health, and that she did not comply with follow-up care, which caused her injuries.

Burger also denies he failed to report to the plaintiff a lesion which showed up on an MRI, but admits that he did not report that to Dr. Gerald Wankum, an Alton ophthalmologist.

A final pre-trial conference is scheduled Jan. 25.

Quick is seeking a judgment more than $50,000.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-248.