The wife of a deceased man has filed suit against a hospital, a doctor and a radiological organization, alleging her husband died because of their failure to diagnose his aortal aneurysm.
Donna McCollum claims her husband, Michael McCollum, went to defendant Alton Memorial Hospital where he was seen by defendant Dr. Samuel Essma for his complaints of chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath and throat pain. At the time of Michael McCollum's visit, Essma worked for Midwest Radiological Associates.
However, Essma failed to recognize that Michael McCollum's symptoms suggested an aortic aneurysm, failed to properly interpret a CT scan performed on Oct. 28 and failed to make a timely diagnosis, according to the complaint filed Aug. 13 in Madison County Circuit Court.
As a result, Michael McCollum died on Nov. 2, the suit states.
His next of kin have been deprived of his love, companionship, society and support and have incurred substantial medical and funeral costs, the complaint says.
In the six-count suit, Donna McCollum is seeking a judgment of more than $450,000, plus costs.
She will be represented by Thomas Q. Keefe Jr. of Belleville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-840.
Alton Memorial and physician blamed for failing to diagnose aneurysm
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