Widow accuses medical providers of failing to diagnose husband's vascular problems

A woman is suing over claims a relative had to go undergo a leg amputation prior to his death because doctors failed to diagnose blood flow problems.

Patricia Evans, as independent administrator of the Estate of Eddie Evans, filed a lawsuit Oct. 1 in the Cook County Circuit Court against Vascular Specialists LLC, Advocate Medical Group, Advocate Health Care Network, Advocate Trinity Hospital and Drs. David A. Gerst and Eugene Tanquilut.

According to the suit, Eddie went to Gerst on Oct. 2, 2012 with complaints about a discolored and tender toenail. Evans claims Eddie returned with the same complaint on Nov. 20, 2012, when Gerst diagnosed him with gangrene of the toe and suggested a toe amputation, which he performed the next day at Advocate Trinity Hospital.

Evans contends Tanquilut was consulted after the surgery and again in December 2012 after Gerst diagnosed Eddie with gas gangrene of the left foot. Tanquilut, the suit alleges, failed to suggest a procedure to restore blood flow to his lower extremity.

Eddie underwent a below-the-knee amputation on Dec. 28, 2012, the suit states, adding that his leg failed to heal and became infected, causing him pain and suffering until his June 25 death. The defendants are accused of negligence.

Evans is seeking more than $50,000 in damages and is being represented in the case by attorney Philip J. Davidson of Hilfman & Head P.C. in Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court case number: 2014L010264

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.