BELLEVILLE – A patient is suing over allegations that he received negligent care from a neurosurgeon at HSHS Medical Group Inc.
Carl Schlarmann and Wanita Kay Schlarmann filed the suit March 29 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Dr. Nicholas Poulas and HSHS Medical Group Inc.
On Nov. 7, 2013, the plaintiff went to HSHS for medical care and treatment and consulted with Poulos, a physician specializing in neurosurgery and an employee of HSHS, according to the complaint.
The suit alleges the Poulos was guilty of negligence in treating the plaintiff, including performing surgery where it wasn't needed, not performing surgery where it was needed and failing to perform a proper workup prior to the unnecessary surgery.
HSHS is named a defendant in the suit because of the relationship between the physician and the medical center.
As a result, the plaintiff claims he experienced permanent pain, mental anguish, disability and disfigurement, according to the suit. He alleges he can't attend to his usual affairs, has lost wages and income past, present and future, and has become liable for medical expenses.
The plaintiff seeks judgment against each defendant for at least $75,000 plus court costs. He is represented by Michael J. Gras and Christopher Cueto of the Law Office of Christopher Cueto Ltd. in Belleville, and Lloyd M. Cueto of the Law Office of Lloyd M. Cueto in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-179