A man is suing Illinois Southwest Orthopedics and one of its doctors, alleging the doctor's negligence during surgery caused the man to experience nerve damage and numbness.
Richard Beck filed a lawsuit May 29 in Madison County Circuit Court against Dr. Paul J. Scherer and Illinois Southwest Orthopedics.
The complaint says Beck was admitted to Gateway Regional Medical Center for left total hip arthroplasty on May 29, 2007.
While Scherer performed the procedure on Beck, he negligently caused nerve damage and numbness, failed to recognize the onset of compartment syndrome, failed to use the correct size of broach, failed to perform the surgery so as to not allow the onset of compartment syndrome and unreasonably placed Beck in danger of severe complications, according to the complaint.
Because of Scherer's negligence, Beck says he suffered severe and permanent injuries, a worsening of his condition, which progressed to abdominal plain, and suffered acute and prolonged physical and mental pain. He also incurred medical costs, the suit states.
At the time of the incident, Scherer worked for Illinois Southwest Orthopedics, according to the complaint.
In the two-count suit, Beck is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.
Christopher M. Donohoo of The Donohoo Law Firm in Wood River will be representing him.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-544.
Patient claims nerve damage in suit against orthopedic surgeon, practice
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