C-section leads to med mal lawsuit over failed anesthesia

In a medical malpractice lawsuit, a St. Joseph’s Hospital patient claims she was not given proper anesthesia during a cesarean section procedure.

Plaintiffs Kristina and Joseph Brand failed the six-count complaint against defendants Dr. Bonnie Gelly, Southern Obstetrics & Gynecologic Associates, S.C., and St. Joseph’s Hospital on Oct. 29 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court.

According to the complaint, Kristina was not given appropriate anesthesia during a cesarean section procedure in 2012 while she was a patient at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The plaintiffs claim they relied on the hospital to provide care for her rather than Greg Reynolds, a contracted certified registered nurse anesthetist.

The defendants are accused of negligently and carelessly performing a cesarean section without appropriate anesthesia.

St. Joseph’s Hospital is also accused of providing medical care without informing the plaintiffs that the care provided by Reynolds was that of an alleged independent contractor.

As a result of the defendants’ negligent acts, the plaintiff allegedly underwent surgery with no anesthesia, causing her to experience severe pain and suffering, extreme mental anguish, permanent damage and disfigurement.

The plaintiffs also claim they lost wages and incurred medical expenses and will be liable for future medical expenses in a “substantial amount.”

Additionally, Joseph Brand claims he has been permanently deprived of the love, companionship, consortium, support and services to which he was entitled from his wife.

The Brands seek a judgment of more than $75,000 for each count.

Samantha S. Unsell of Keefe & Keefe, P.C. in Belleville represents the plaintiff.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 14-L-716