Highland physician sued over alleged ear damage

A Madison County man is suing a Highland physician assistant he says injured his eardrum during a routine exam.

Michael Cook filed a lawsuit March 9 in Madison County Circuit Court against physician assistant Trisha Hustedde, Dr. David J. Nyquist and Highland Physicians Ltd.

Cook visited Dr. Nyquist at Highland Physicians in August 2010 for help with pain in his right ear, according to the complaint. Cook says he was seen and treated by Dr. Nyquist's assistant, Hustedde. During the exam, Cook alleges Hustedde irrigated his right ear repeatedly with too much force and punctured his ear drum.

Cook says he has been required to undergo several surgeries to repair the serious damage to his ear.

Cook accuses Dr. Nyquist, Hustedde and Highland Physicians of negligence and medical malpractice. He is asking for more than $150,000 in damages for medical expenses and court costs.

Cook is represented by attorney John J. Hopkins of Alton.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 12-L-305