Maryville anesthesiologist sued over nerve block

A couple accuses a Maryville anesthesiologist of performing a nerve block that left a woman with permanent injuries.

Esther W. Spencer and her husband, Fred Spencer, filed a lawsuit against Dr. Gregory Collins and Maryville Physicians Services Inc. on Dec. 3 in Madison County Circuit Court.

According to the complaint, Esther Spencer was admitted to Anderson Hospital for a total right knee replacement in June 2009. Spencer says Dr. Collins was responsible for administering anesthesia and monitoring her medical condition during the surgery.

Spencer contends Dr. Collins was negligent in his duty to care for her that day. She says he improperly placed a femoral nerve block, causing permanent neurologic injury. Even after encountering difficulty placing the nerve block, Dr. Collins allegedly continued with the procedure, causing Spencer femoral neuropathy and nerve injury.

Spencer is asking for a minimum of $50,000 from Dr. Collins and his practice, Maryville Physicians Services, to compensate for her injuries which, she says, have caused severe distress, physical pain and mental anguish.

Esther Spencer's husband, Fred Spencer, is also suing each of the two defendants for at least $50,000 for a loss of consortium and a loss of his wife's services.

Attorneys John J. Hopkins and Turner A. Rouse, of Edwardsville, are representing the Spencers.

Madison County Circuit Court case no. 10-L-1212