Woman claims doctors failed to diagnose painful muscle condition

A woman claims she suffered nerve injuries after doctors failed to diagnose her with a painful muscle condition.

Angela St. Clair and Douglas R. St. Clair filed a lawsuit Nov. 27 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Protestant Memorial Medical Center doing business as Memorial Hospital, Kim C. Wrigley, Dr. D. Bryer Franks, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis and Dr. Robert Marshall.

In their complaint, the St. Clairs allege Angela St. Clair sought medical treatment from Protestant Memorial Medical Center on June 14, 2012. She was suffering from compartment syndrome, which is a condition caused by intense pressure in the muscles. People with the syndrome can experience decreased blood flow. In turn, they may experience an inhibited flow of oxygen to the nerve and muscle cells.

Doctors at the hospital, however, failed to diagnose Angela St. Clair with compartment syndrome, the suit states. In turn, she suffered nerve injuries and has experienced constant pain and suffering, the complaint says. Angela St. Clair claims she also lost her enjoyment of a normal life, incurred medical costs and lost wages because of the doctors’ failure to diagnose her.

In their complaint, the St. Clairs seek a judgment of more than $500,000, plus costs.

Joseph A. Bartholomew of Cook, Ysursa, Bartholomew, Brauer and Shevlin in Belleville and Alexander A. Wolff of Alvin Wolff Jr. and Associates in Clayton will be representing them.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-597.