Latex allergy claimed in suit against Springfield surgeon

A woman claims doctors placed latex into her abdomen even though she was allergic to the material.

Jessica Lynn Thomas filed a lawsuit Oct. 3 in Madison County Circuit Court against Dr. Christopher D. Wohltman and Hospital Sisters Health Systems.

In her complaint, Thomas alleges she underwent a surgical procedure at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield on Oct. 4, 2011, to implant surgical mesh into her abdomen. During the procedure, however, Wohltman inserted latex mesh into Thomas despite her being allergic to the material, according to the complaint.

As a result, Thomas suffered permanent injury, including pain, mental anguish, disability and disfigurement; was prevented from attending to her usual duties; and lost wages, the suit states. She also incurred medical costs, the complaint says.

Thomas blames Wohltman for causing her injuries, saying he negligently failed to take an accurate medical history, failed to observe that Thomas was allergic to latex and inserted latex mesh into Thomas’s abdomen.

In her complaint, Thomas seeks a judgment of more than $300,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Shari L. Murphy of The Law Offices of Shari L. Murphy will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-1673.