Man sues physicians, radiology group, hospital

A man claims he suffered a disabling stroke because of negligence by his surgeon, the radiologist he was referred to and the hospital that treated him.

Ken Sexton filed a lawsuit Sept. 15 in Madison County Circuit Court against Dr. Wesley Harris, Dr. Theodore Vandervelde, Midwest Radiological Consultants and Alton Memorial Hospital.

Sexton claims he was under the care of general surgeon Dr. Harris from July 11-Sept. 20, 2008 who had scheduled him for gallbladder surgery. On Sept. 21, 2008, Sexton suffered a stroke and says in his complaint that Dr. Harris was negligent in failing to recognize he was not suffering from symptoms consistent with an ultrasound reading.

Sexton claims Dr. Harris neglected to perform additional testing before scheduling the surgery. He further blames Dr. Harris for discontinuing his use of medications in preparation for surgery that was not found necessary.

Sexton is also seeking judgment against radiologist Dr. Vandervelde. He claims the doctor failed to recognize he was not experiencing symptoms consistent with the upper abdominal ultrasound, which Dr. Vandervelde evaluated.

Sexton is also suing Dr. Vandervelde's employer, Midwest Radiological Consultants and Alton Memorial Hospital, where he was treated on July 11. Sexton claims the hospital failed to properly monitor and re-evaluate his condition before the scheduled surgery.

Because of the stroke, Sexton experienced loss of the full use of his left side, facial dropping and slurred speech. He is also susceptible to epileptic-like seizures. Sexton claims he experienced severe pain and suffering, disability and loss of normal life activities. He says he has incurred medical expenses.

In his complaint, Sexton seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

John J. Hopkins of John J. Hopkins and Associates will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L962.