Alton Orthopedic Clinic named in malpractice suit

A man and his wife are suing Alton Orthopedic Clinic and one of its doctors over an alleged botched knee replacement surgery.

Jon and Theresa Smith filed a lawsuit June 11 in Madison County Circuit Court against Dr. Michael Taylor and the clinic.

The plaintiffs say Taylor performed a total knee replacement surgery on Jon Smith.

However, the Smiths say the surgery caused Jon Smith to sustain permanent injury to his lower extremity and to suffer permanent pain, mental anguish, disability and disfigurement. He also incurred medical costs, was prevented from attending to his usual duties and affairs and lost wages, the suit states.

Jon Smith says he was not aware his symptoms were a result of the knee replacement surgery until he visited Dr. Timothy Penn, who linked the surgery to Jon Smith's problems.

In the four-count suit, the Smiths are seeking a judgment of more than $300,000, plus costs.

Samantha S. Unsell of the law office of Thomas Q. Keefe Jr. in Belleville will be representing them.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-613.