Northshore University Health System, doctors sued over surgery patient's death

Northshore University HealthSystem and a pair of doctors are being sued over claims a patient died following surgery complications.

Jamar Sawyer, as administrator of the Estate of Rhonda Easton, filed a lawsuit April 15 in the Cook County Circuit Court against Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, now known as Northshore University HealthSystem, and Drs. Mark Talamonti and Marshall Baker.

According to the complaint, Easton went to the defendants for the removal of a pancreatic cyst on Sept. 5, 2008. Sawyer claims Easton developed significant abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, shortness of breath and an irregular heartbeat three days after the surgery and was discharged on Sept. 9, 2008.

Sawyer alleges Easton died as a result of a postoperative hemorrhage from the surgical site on Sept. 15, 2008.

The plaintiff is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 and the costs of this suit. He is being represented in the case by Chicago attorney Richard L. Berdelle Jr.

Cook County Circuit Court Case No. 2014L004212.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in the Cook County Circuit Court. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.