OSBEC Medical, doctor accused of failing to treat an infection

A patient is suing a medical center and one of its doctors after an Aug. 13, 2012, surgery on her broken left foot led to infection, requiring further surgical treatment and causing permanent disfigurement.

According to a lawsuit filed March 3 in Madison County Circuit Court, Rebecca Merrill is suing OSBEC Medical of Southern Illinois and Dr. Oscar F. Florendo Jr. of Highland due to the infection, which allegedly was allowed to "fester, resulting in severe disability and jeopardizing the loss of plaintiff's left foot."

Merrill alleges was diagnosed with an infection on Nov. 21, 2012, but was left untreated by the defendants. The delay led to the removal of joint hardware in a follow-up surgery, as well as her ankle being "disfigured," with a "grotesque appearance" and "disabled" functionality.

Merrill seeks damages in excess of $100,000, plus costs.

Merrill is represented by attorneys Gregory G. Fenlon and David W. Horan of Clayton, Mo.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 15-L-282.