A St. Clair County rheumatologist is facing a lawsuit that accuses him of causing a patient's death from leukemia.
Patricia Koltun, as special administrator of the Estate of Philip Koltun, filed a lawsuit on Sept. 10 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Dr. Kenneth R. Margules.
According to the complaint, Margules treated Philip Koltun for several years, providing medical care for psoriatic arthritis, which included prescribing methrotrexate. Patricia Koltun claims the physician "carelessly failed to place methrotrexate therapy on hold at least until further hematologic consultation could be performed on the patient."
As a result of the alleged negligence, the lawsuit states, Philip Koltun developed acute myeloid leukemia and died on Oct. 26, 2012. Patricia Koltun says his death caused her and the couple's two sons "grief, sorrow, permanent injuries and damages."
The suit accuses Margules of negligence under the state's wrongful death statute and is seeking more than $50,000 in damages for the loss of companionship, support, guidance and love. Attorney Joseph A. Bartholomew represents Koltun.
St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 14-L-631
Woman blames rheumatologist for husband's death
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