The guardian of a disabled woman claims she suffered from sepsis after doctors at Edwardsville Health Care Center failed to correctly place a feeding tube into her.
Willie Burns filed a lawsuit May 24 in Madison County Circuit Court against Edwardsville Health Care Center Investors.
In his complaint, Willie Burns alleges doctors at the nursing home attempted to insert a replacement feeding tube into Annie L. Burns on June 1, 2010. However, they allegedly failed to correctly perform the procedure, causing Annie Burns to become lethargic, cold and clammy and to lose consciousness, according to the complaint.
Later, Annie Burns was transferred to the emergency room at Anderson Hospital and was admitted to St. Louis University Hospital on June 2, 2010, the suit states.
Because of the doctors' failed attempts to insert the tube, Annie Burns suffered abdominal pain and distention, endured sepsis and required surgical correction and a tracheotomy, the complaint says. In addition, she claims she experienced great pain and suffering and incurred medical costs.
Willie Burns blames staff at Edwardsville Health Care Center for causing Annie Burns's injuries, saying they negligently failed to properly insert a feeding tube, failed to adequately monitor Annie Burns, failed to follow physicians' orders, abused and neglected her by failing to provide her with timely medical care and failed to provide her with enough staff to meet her needs, among other negligent acts.
In his complaint, Willie Burns seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.
Lawrence J. Hess of The Rex Carr Law Firm in East St. Louis will be representing him.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-727.