Undiagnosed congestive heart failure causes death, suit claims

A Madison County man has filed suit against Anderson Hospital and three of its doctors, alleging a woman died after doctors failed to correctly diagnose her congestive heart failure.

Mark Ahlvers, personal representative of the estate of Nina Ahlvers, claims Nina Ahlvers arrived at the emergency room at Anderson Hospital on Sept. 7, 2007, with a history of chest pain.

However, defendant Drs. Linda Haacke, Linda Stronach and Peter Malench failed to properly evaluate Nina Ahlvers and to perform necessary testing to treat her myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure, according to the complaint filed Aug. 31 in Madison County Circuit Court.

As a result of the doctors' alleged negligence, Nina Ahlvers died on Sept. 9, 2007, the suit states.

Before her death, Nina Ahlvers suffered pain, disability, disfigurement and mental anguish, the complaint says.

Mark Ahlvers claims he included Anderson Hospital as a defendant in the suit because its employees were allegedly responsible for the negligence that apparently caused Nina Ahlvers's death.

Because of Nina Ahlvers's death, her next-of-kin claim they have lost her support and society.

In the eight-count suit, Mark Ahlvers is seeking a judgment of more than $400,000, plus costs.

James R. Williams of Williams, Caponi, Foley and Eckert in Belleville will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-902.