Touchette Regional Hospital named in malpractice suit

Touchette Regional Hospital is accused of medical malpractice in the 2008 death of a patient.

William Cowan was admitted to Touchette on Sept. 6, 2008 and died there two weeks later, according to a lawsuit filed Sept. 19 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Cowan's nephew, John Cowan, filed the suit accusing Touchette of failing to recognize his uncle was at risk of falling, failing to follow a fall-prevention protocol and for allowing the patient to walk unassisted.

William Cowan allegedly suffered an acute subdural hematoma when he fell the day he was admitted to the Centerville facility. The injury allegedly led to his death on Sept. 19, 2008.

John Cowan says his uncle suffered extreme pain, loss of consciousness and eventual death as a result of the carelessness and negligence of hospital staff. He is asking for at least $50,000 in damages.

Attorney John H. Marshall of Cervantes & Associates in St. Louis is representing Cowan.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 10-L-465