A St. Clair County woman has filed suit against a doctor and Memorial Hospital, alleging she suffered from a torn esophagus after a surgery he performed.
Patricia McFarlane claims defendant Dr. Tarik Firozi performed an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedure on her on July 16, 2008. The procedure is normally performed to diagnose and treat certain problems of the stomach and pancreas.
However, Firozi did not properly perform the procedure and tore McFarlane's esophagus and other gastrointestinal organs, according to the complaint filed July 2 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
Because of the surgery and her resulting injuries, McFarlane developed pneumothorax; suffered swelling to her neck, chest and upper body; and experienced pain and suffering, the suit states. In addition, she lost large sums of money from her usual gainful occupation, incurred medical costs and suffered a permanent loss of her enjoyment of life, the complaint says.
During the procedure, Firozi negligently failed to properly treat McFarlane, failed to perform appropriate tests on McFarlane, failed to treat McFarlane in a manner customary with his profession, failed to use proper surgical techniques on McFarlane and caused a gastrointestinal perforation and/or tear, in addition to a number of other negligent acts, McFarlane claims.
In her three-count suit, McFarlane is seeking a judgment of more than $150,000, plus interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.
Robert B. Marcus of Kujawski and Associates in O'Fallon will be representing her.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-336.
Memorial Hospital and doctor named in med mal case
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