A medical malpractice lawsuit alleging a patient was not given proper anesthesia during a cesarean section procedure has been transferred to Clinton County.
Plaintiffs Kristina and Joseph Brand filed the six-count complaint against defendants Dr. Bonnie Gelly, Southern Obstetrics & Gynecologic Associates, S.C., and St. Joseph’s Hospital on Oct. 29.
They allege Kristina was not given proper 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’ alleged negligent acts, the plaintiff claims she underwent surgery with no anesthesia causing her to experience severe pain and suffering, extreme mental anguish, permanent damage and disfigurement.
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 filed a motion to dismiss on Dec. 16 requesting the matter to be transferred to Clinton County.
Circuit Judge Vincent Lopinot granted the parties’ requests and transferred the case to Clinton County on Dec. 16.
Additionally, St. Joseph’s Hospital also filed a motion to transfer on Dec. 22, roughly one week after the case had already been transferred to Clinton County. It argued that the alleged actions occurred in Clinton County and the case has no connection to St. Clair County other than plaintiffs’ counsel’s office.
The plaintiffs seek a judgment of more than $75,000.
The Brands are represented by Samantha Unsell of Keefe & Keefe in Belleville.
St. Joseph’s Hospital is represented by Michael J. Nester of Donovan Rose Nester in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 14-L-716
Med mal lawsuit alleging failed anesthesia during C-section transferred to Clinton County
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