Effingham orthopedic surgeon and practice sued in St. Clair County

A man has filed suit against the doctor he claims caused damage to the nerve controlling his lower leg, feet and toes.

Donald George and Patricia George filed suit May 19 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Daniel Dethmers, M.D. and Bonutti Orthopedic Services LTD.

According to the complaint, Donald visited Dr. Dethmers at Bonutti Orthopedic Services with symptoms of left hip pain. On Oct. 13, 2011, Dethmers performed a left hip resurfacing procedure, according to the complaint. During the surgery, Dethmers injured Donald’s peroneal nerve, the suit states.

It was not until recently that Donald discovered the cause of his permanent pain, the complaint says. Because of Dethmers’s treatment, Donald claims he suffered mental anguish, disability and disfigurement, was prevented from attending to his usual affairs and duties and lost wages and income. He also incurred medical costs, the suit states.

His wife, Patricia, claims she incurred medical costs and has been permanently deprived of her husband’s love, companionship, consortium, support and services because of the incident.

The Georges are seeking a judgment of more than $300,000, plus costs. They are being represented by Samantha S. Unsell of Keefe and Keefe in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 14-L-338.