BELLEVILLE — A diabetic patient claims his physician's failure to properly treat a foot infection led to the amputation of his leg.
Johnny Oakley, Jr., and Felicia Oakley filed a complaint Sept. 30 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Eric Whittenburg, D.P.M., and Associated Foot Surgeons of Southwest Illinois LTD, alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, Johnny Oakley Jr. sought treatment from the defendants on Oct. 1, 2018. Oakley alleges Whittenburg "negligently and carelessly" failed to prescribe antibiotic therapy for a diabetic foot infection. Oakley also alleges Whittenburg failed to properly follow up on his foot infection and failed to provide "adequate post-op care and treatment" following surgery on Oct. 24, 2018.
The plaintiffs claim that Whittenburg's negligence caused Oakley's right leg to be amputated below the knee and caused him to suffer disfigurement, pain, and lost wages and has "prevented him from attending to his usual affairs and duties."
They also claim they have suffered medical expenses of a "substantial amount" due to the alleged undiagnosed and untreated foot infection.
The Oakleys seek compensation of more than $75,000 and all other just relief. They are represented by Samantha Unsell of Keefe, Keefe & Unsell PC in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 20-L-0754