Cardiologist sued in St. Clair County

Belleville cardiologist Atul Shah, M.D. is being sued by a woman who claims his alleged negligence caused her husband's death.

Bridget Garland, represented by Terry N. Brown of Brown & Associates in Belleville, claims Shah failed to ensure her husband David L. Garland received proper oxygenation while being anesthetized during a procedure at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville on Sept. 22, 2004

David Garland was admitted to the hospital Sept. 21, 2004, and died Oct. 3, 2004.

St. Elizabeth's is a co-defendant in the suit filed Sept. 20 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Bridget Garland also claims Shah failed to take adequate measures to resuscitate her husband and failed to properly and timely intubate him.

"That as a direct and proximate result of one or more of the aforementioned negligent acts and/or omissions of the defendant...plaintiff's decedent underwent intense pain and suffering from September 22, 2004, until the time of his death on October 3, 2004," the complaint states.

Bridget Garland claims she has been deprived of the support, society, guidance, companionship and happiness provided by her husband. She also claims she has become obligated for his medical and funeral bills.

Garland is seeking in excess of $200,000 in damages.