Doctor should have picked up on woman's substance abuse problem, suit claims

A man is blaming a doctor and his office for causing a woman's drug overdose death, claiming the doctor should have picked up on the woman's potential substance abuse problem.

Ryan Morrow, administrator of the estate of Laura Morrow, filed a lawsuit July 20 in Madison County Circuit Court against Dr. Arbha Vongsvivut, also known as Arbha Vongs, and Vongs, M.D.

Ryan Morrow claims Laura Morrow was under the care of Vongs from Jan. 29, 2007, until her death on Aug. 11, 2007.

Laura Morrow died of an overdose of controlled substances, according to the complaint.

"The defendant breached the duty he owed to the decedent by deviating from an acceptable standard of care in one or more of the following ways: negligently and carelessly failing to adequately monitor the Decedent's use of controlled substances; negligently and carelessly failing to respond to warning signs indicating that the Decedent may have developed a substance abuse disorder; and otherwise negligently and carelessly failing to adequately treat and monitor the Decedent's medical condition and use of controlled substances," the suit states.

In the two-count suit, Ryan Morrow is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

S. Russell Meyer and Amy M. Meyer of The Meyer Law Firm in Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-746.