EDWARDSVILLE – Anderson Hospital denies liability in a suit alleging medical staff failed to recognize that an emergency patient was suffering from a stroke.
St. Louis attorney Katherine Melzer of Sandberg Phoenix answered the complaint on behalf of the hospital, denying liability.
In its affirmative defenses, Anderson Hospital argues that the plaintiffs' alleged injuries were the result "of some conduct other than defendant's conduct." The defendant also argues that the medical care provided to patient Michael Miller complied with the standard of care.
Plaintiffs Michael R. Miller and Karen Miller filed a reply to Anderson Hospital's affirmative defenses through attorney Joseph Bartholomew of Cook Bartholomew Shevlin Cook & Jones in Belleville. They deny the allegations.
The Millers filed the lawsuit in the Madison County Circuit Court against Anderson Hospital, Uptown Emergency Physicians LLP, Andrew C. Russell, M.D., Julie A. Benhoff, APN, Danielle T. Williams, APN, and Illinois Hospitalists, LLP, citing, citing negligence.
According to the lawsuit, Michael Miller was a patient of the defendants on April 24, 2021, seeking emergency medical services. The lawsuit alleges the defendants collectively and negligently failed to diagnose and recognize that Michael was potentially suffering from a stroke and transferred him to Anderson Hospital, which is not a stroke center. The lawsuit adds that the defendants negligently failed to provide Michael with proper medical examinations and negligently failed to have protocols in place to transfer patients with stroke-like symptoms to stroke centers.
According to the lawsuit, as a result of the defendants' negligence, Michael suffered a stroke and has experienced permanent injuries. He alleges his injuries have caused him to endure constant pain, suffering, disability and disfigurement. He alleges that his injuries will impact his ability to enjoy a normal life. The lawsuit adds that Michael has incurred medical expenses and will continue to require the services of medical staff.
Karen Miller claims that as a result of the defendants' negligence, she has been deprived of her husband's consortium and support.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus court costs and any other relief the court deems proper.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 2023LA000454