Plaintiff claims doctor negligent in wife's death

James Greco filed a wrongful death suit against Bruce Vest, M.D. and Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic alleging the failure to provide anticoagulant therapy to his wife, Tamara, led to her death.

According to the complaint filed in Madison County Circuit Court April 24, Tamara Greco, a 36-year-old mother of three, was seen by Vest on April 30, 2004, for treatment of an injury. According to the suit, she twisted her left ankle and foot the day before her doctor's visit.

James Greco claims his wife told Vest that she was taking birth control pills and was 5 feet, four inches and weighed 230 pounds.

Tamara Greco had a history of two previous fractures and a previous strain to her left ankle.

James Greco claims x-rays were negative and his wife was diagnosed with a sprained left ankle and was treated with the placement of an equalizer brace and was told to call if she had further problems.

He then claims Tamara revisited Vest on May 5, 2004, with complaints of pain in her left ankle and foot and also pain and burning with numbness to her toes.

Vest diagnosed her as having a "severe" left foot and ankle sprain and was given samples of Bextra and a refill on her Vicodin prescription.

"On May 7, 2004, Tamara Greco suffered a bilateral pulmonary thromboemboli which, according to her death certificate, was due to, or as a consequence of immobility of her left foot," the complaint alleges.

James Greco claims Vest failed to provide anticoagulant therapy to his wife on April 30, 2004, failed to warn her of the risk she had for the development of deep vein thrombosis, and failed to consult with a specialist in vascular surgery or disease and/or radiologic expertise to evaluate and treat Tamara.

James Greco claims that Vest's alleged negligent acts caused or contributed to the death of his wife causing him and his children to suffer a pecuniary loss, funeral expenses, loss of services, companionship, comfort, instruction, guidance, counsel, training and support of Tamara Greco.

He also claims that his wife suffered from conscious pain and suffering until the time of her death as a result of professional negligence.

Represented by David Perney and David Horan of St. Louis, Greco is seeking damages in excess of $100,000, plus all costs of the suit.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Lola Maddox.

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