Dr. Daniel Bercu, D.O.
A Marion doctor and hospital were targeted in a wrongful death suit filed in Madison County Circuit Court by the widow of a motorcycle accident victim.
Vivian Ansinelli is seeking at least $100,000 in damages from Daniel Bercu, D.O. and Heartland Regional Medical Center for not transferring her husband, Joe Ansinelli, to St. Louis University Medical Center fast enough after he was hurt in an accident June 14, 2004.
"Bercu failed to exercise the degree of skill and care normally exercised by reasonably well qualified emergency physicians in Marion and similar communities," the complaint states.
Ansinelli claims Bercu failed to transfer Joe to St. Louis University Medical Center in a "timely manner."
An Air Evac Lifeteam was called and arrived at 5:17 p.m. and left the hospital with Joe Ansinelli at approximately 6:50 p.m. en route to St. Louis University.
Ansinelli also claims Bercu failed to timely provide fluid and blood resuscitation. She also alleges Bercu ordered a head CT scan that was unnecessary and resulted in a delay in definitive treatment.
According to Ansinelli, Joe died later that evening at SLU, leaving her and two children to suffer loss of society and companionship and medical and funeral expenses.
The complaint, filed by Arnold, Mo. attorney Thomas Kemper, does not indicate where Ansinelli resides.
Bercu, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, graduated in 1981 from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and specializes in emergency medicine.
The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge George Moran.
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