BELLEVILLE – A patient is suing a doctor at Memorial Hospital for allegedly failing to provide him with proper instructions to handle an injury.
Kevin Frederking filed a lawsuit in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Dr. Michael Alexander, M.D., citing negligence.
According to the lawsuit, Frederking went to he emergency department at Memorial Hospital in Belleville on Nov. 8, 2020, complaining of ankle and foot swelling that had lasted for approximately 12 hours.
Frederking was treated by Alexander and allegedly informed the doctor that he suffered from non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy in his feet. He added that his job as the owner of a restaurant and bar required him to stand for extended periods.
Frederking states that while he was at the hospital, an x-ray was taken and showed that he had a metatarsal fracture. He alleges Alexander discharged him with instructions for gout and cellulitis, but with no instructions to limit his standing.
According to the complaint, Frederking returned to Memorial Hospital on Nov. 21, 2020, complaining of cellulitis and pain in his left foot. A new x-ray showed a Lis franc fracture in his foot, which was a worsening of the fracture that was shown previously.
Frederking alleges Alexander neglected his duty to instruct the plaintiff to limit his weight bearing during the initial visit, especially as Alexander was informed that Frederking had neuropathy in his feet and that he worked a job that required him to stand for extended periods of time. Frederking states that as a result of this negligence, he unknowingly worsened his initial fracture.
As a result of his worsened injury, Frederking claims he has had to undergo multiple surgeries and that he has suffered a permanent disability to his left foot. Frederkign claims his injuries have caused him to endure pain and suffering and have impacted his ability to earn income and to lead a normal life. He also states that he has incurred medical costs as a result of his injury.
Frederking is seeking damages in an amount exceeding $50,000, plus court costs. He is represented by attorney John J. Hopkins of John J. Hopkins & Associates, P.C. in Alton.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 2022LA0300