Med mal suit filed against ER docs and practices

Roger Cole of Steeleville, whose leg was amputated below the knee last year, is suing his doctors and their practices for failing to diagnose a blood clot and abdominal aneurysm.

In the medical malpractice suit filed April 26 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Cole claims Shawn Beckmeyer, M.D., Peter Palsha, M.D., Kurt Schultz, M.D., Coulterville Medical Clinic and Belleville Emergency Physicians "negligently and carelessly failed to diagnose plaintiff's condition, that of deep vein thrombosis in both of his legs and an abdominal aneurysm."

Cole's wife, Catherine, also is seeking damages for loss of consortium.

They are represented by Thomas Q. Keefe of Belleville.

"Catherine Cole has been permanently damaged in that she has been permanently deprived of the love, companionship, consortium and support to which she was entitled," the 10-count complaint states.

Each count seeks at least $75,000 in damages plus costs.

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg. Deep vein thrombosis can cause pain in the leg and can potentially lead to complications.

Cole was treated in the emergency room at Sparta Community Hospital on June 25, 2005.

The hospital was not named in the lawsuit.

Cole claims he has been permanently prevented from attending to his usual affairs and duties and has lost wages and income.