Physician seeks to dismiss wrongful death case

Charles Earnshaw, Jr., M.D. will be in court Aug. 24, attempting to dismiss a wrongful death case that was filed against him in May.

Patricia Little of Alton filed the suit alleging Earnshaw was negligent for failing to perform necessary tests to diagnose her late husband William's cardiovascular disease. The suit also claims Earnshaw failed to refer William Little to a cardiologist.

Little claims William’s condition went undiagnosed and untreated which ultimately led to his death on Nov. 15, 2003.

According to the complaint, William Little was hospitalized Aug. 18, 2003, and diagnosed with coronary artery disease and recent inferior myocardial infarction. He underwent surgery and suffered post-operative adult respiratory distress syndrome and post-operative pneumonia with profound loss of lung function.

Little is seeking a judgment against Earnshaw for the wrongful death of her husband and for the deprivation of comfort and valuable services which he would have contributed and performed.

She also is seeking a judgment against Earnshaw for medical, drug, funeral, and incidental expenses, plus general damages in excess of $50,000.

Little is represented by Mark Bronson of Newman Bronson & Wallis of St. Louis and Sandor Korein of Korein Tillery of Belleville.

Earnshaw is represented by Jack Spooner of St. Louis. Circuit Judge George Moran, Jr. will hold the hearing at 9 a.m.

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