Doctor sued over man's compartment syndrome

A man who says he has permanently lost the use of his left leg has filed suit against Memorial Hospital of Belleville, Belleville Emergency Physicians and one of their doctors.

Jeffrey Range claims he was seen by Dr. Thomas Byrne, who worked for Belleville Emergency Physicians at Memorial Hospital of Belleville, on Sept. 30, 2007, and Oct. 2, 2007, and was complaining of pain in his left knee and swelling in his left leg.

Both times, Byrne failed to conduct an appropriate physical examination, failed to properly diagnose Range with compartment syndrome and failed to timely treat Range's compartment syndrome, causing Range to permanently lose the functional use of his left leg, the suit filed Sept. 8 in St. Clair County Circuit Court states.

Because of Byrne's actions, Range experienced pain, suffering, extreme mental anguish and loss of wages and incurred medical expenses, the complaint says.

In the three-count suit, Range is seeking a judgment of more than $225,000, plus costs.

Range is represented by Thomas Q. Keefe Jr. of Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-475.