Wrongful death claimed in suit against doctor

The estate of John Varel filed a wrongful death suit against Keith Thomae, M.D. in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 31, alleging the doctor's negligence caused his death on Feb. 5, 2007.

Kenneth Varel, as administrator of John's estate, claims his father underwent a hernia procedure on Dec. 20, 2006, that was performed by Thomae at the Highland Ambulatory Surgical Center.

Kenneth claims that Thomae was negligent and deviated from the standard of care required of him when he carelessly removed a portion of his father's colon during the hernia procedure.

He also claims Thomae failed to timely discover that he had removed a portion of the colon which caused his father to sustain severe internal and external injuries which ultimately led to his death.

According to to the suit, Varel left surviving as his next of kin six children who have sustained the deprivation of their father's society, companionship, guidance, advise, love and affection.

Represented by J. Michael Weilmuenster of Belleville, Varel's estate is seeking damages in excess of $100,000, plus costs.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Nick Byron.

07 L 1089