Hylla
Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla will oversee mandatory mediation Wednesday in a wrongful death suit against an Alton orthopedist.
The case centers on what kind of care a patient received for a sprained ankle that allegedly indirectly caused her death in 2004.
Plaintiffs are seeking damages of at least $50,000 and costs.
James Greco brought the suit against Dr. Bruce Vest Jr. and the Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Cinic P.C. of Alton as special administrator of the estate of his wife, Tamera Kay Greco, and on behalf of children Taylor Rose Marie Greco, Heather McKaig and Nicholas McKaig.
According to Greco's complaint, Tamera Greco went to the clinic for treatment following a foot injury on April 30, 2004. Tamera Greco had suffered previous fractures and a sprain of the same foot before.
Vest examined her and x-rays did not show a fracture. According to the complaint, Tamera Greco informed those treating her that she was taking birth control pills. She was diagnosed with a sprained left ankle.
She returned to the clinic May 5 complaining of pain in her foot and ankle and with burning, pain and numbness in her toes. She was given samples of Bextra and a Vicodin refill. She had only been given an equalizer brace during her April 30 visit.
Tamera Greco died at age 36 on May 7 2004. According to the complaint, her death certificate attributed her death to bilateral pulmonary thromboemboli due to the immobility of her left foot.
The plaintiffs are suing Vest and the clinic for what they allege was negligence in failing to evaluate Tamera Greco's vascular condition, failing to provide anticoagulant therapy and failing to warn her about the potential for the clot. The plaintiffs allege they have suffered pain, incurred funeral costs, and have suffered the loss of Tamera Greco's companionship, guidance, support and services.
Madison County Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder is presiding. The case was originally assigned to then-Madison County Circuit Judge Lola Maddox.
The plaintiffs are represented by David Perny. The defendants are represented by Philip Willman.
The mandatory mediation is set for 9 a.m. Aug. 12.
The case is Madison case number 06-L-371.