A patient is suing two doctors and their practice, alleging a botched knee surgery did not accomplish what the patient was told it would.
Merlene Morales filed a lawsuit June 10 in Cook County Circuit Court against Dr. David Schafer. Dr. Jeffrey Bell and Adult and Pediatric Orthopedics in Vernon Hills, alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, on June 10, 2013, Morales sought treatment on from the defendants for pain in her right knee and was told there was a cyst there that had to be removed. On the same day, the lawsuit states, she underwent surgery to remove the cyst, which caused pain levels to increase after the surgery.
On July 8, 2013, the suit says, she received a second opinion due to the pain and went to Pro Clinics and found out Schafer hadn't removed the cyst, instead performing a meniscetonmy when it wasn't necessary.
The lawsuit states the plaintiff experienced additional pain and further surgery due to the defendants' actions as well as pain and suffering, loss of income, loss normalcy and medical expenses.
Morales seeks damages in excess of $150,000, plus costs. She is represented by attorney Baltazar Mendoza of the Law Offices of Baltazar Mendoza in Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 2015L005927.