Too much dye in veins caused woman pain, suit says

Debra A. Goodwin claims she suffered increased pressure in her arm after doctors allowed too much dye to enter veins in her extremity.

She and her husband Bill Goodwin filed a lawsuit Oct. 6 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against St. Elizabeth's Hospital of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.

The Goodwins claim Debra A. Goodwin went to the hospital on Dec. 10, 2007, although they don't specify her reason for going.

While at the hospital, doctors allowed a significant amount of dye to be pumped into Debra A. Goodwin's arm, according to the complaint.

In turn, Debra A. Goodwin now suffers from compartment syndrome, which can lead to muscle and nerve damage and problems with blood flow, the suit states. She also sustained constant pain and suffering, incurred medical costs and lost large sums of money because of her impaired earning capacity, the complaint says.

Bill Goodman says he has now lost his wife's consortium due to her injuries.

In the two-count complaint, the Goodwins are seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

Joseph A. Bartholomew of Cook, Ysursa, Bartholomew, Brauer and Shevlin in Belleville will be representing them.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-535.