A Zion, Ill. rheumatologist accused in a St. Clair County wrongful death action seeks to transfer the case to Lake County.
Plaintiff Patricia Koltun, as special administrator of the estate of Philip Koltun, filed the Sept. 10 lawsuit against Dr. Kenneth R. Margules.
According to the complaint, Margules treated the decedent for several years, providing medical care for psoriatic arthritis, which included prescribing methrotrexate. 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, the decedent developed acute myeloid leukemia and died on Oct. 26, 2012. Koltun claims the 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.
Margules filed a motion to transfer venue on Nov. 3, arguing that the Circuit Court of Lake County is a more appropriate jurisdiction. He claims that transfer is proper because he operates his medical practice in Lake County and no part of the transaction alleged in the complaint occurred in St. Clair County.
Circuit Judge Robert LeChien scheduled a motion hearing for March 17 at 10 a.m.
Koltun seeks more than $50,000 in damages for the loss of companionship, support, guidance and love.
Joseph Bartholomew represents Koltun.
David F. Pardys of Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, in Libertyville represents Margules. He requests a jury trial.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 14-L-631