Patient given lethal dose of potassium, suit claims

The son of a deceased woman has filed suit against the doctor who he claims caused his mother to be given a lethal dose of potassium.

Randy L. Clemons claims his mother, Mavis I. Clemons, had been under the care of defendant Dr. Christopher S. Kang at co-defendant Anderson Hospital directly before the lethal potassium dose was given to her, causing her death on Dec. 14, 2008.

Because of his mother's death, Randy L. Clemons lost her companionship and incurred funeral and burial expenses, according to the complaint filed April 6 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Kang negligently failed to monitor Mavis I. Clemons' potassium levels, failed to include pertinent information on her hospital discharge, failed to inform a nursing home of Mavis I. Clemons' medical condition when she was released to it and failed to use the skill and care ordinarily used by a well-qualified physician, the suit states.

In his four-count complaint, Randy L. Clemons is seeking a judgment of more than $150,000, plus costs.

In addition to the defendants, Randy L. Clemons names Dr. Tibor Kopjas and University Nursing and Rehabilitation as respondents in discovery.

Randy L. Clemons will be represented by Lance R. Mallon and Dawna M. Hale of Mallon and Hale in Wood River.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-385.