The family of a man who died shortly after surgery of respiratory failure is suing two doctors, a health system and a hospital for clearing him for surgery that allegedly should not have been performed.
George Almasan, administrator of the estate of Ion Almasan, filed a lawsuit Aug. 10 in Cook County Circuit Court against North Shore University Health System, Glenbrook Hospital, Dr. Alan Frydman and Dr. John Linn.
According to the complaint, after two visits in November 2013 with Frydman for surgical clearance, Ion Almasan went to the defendant hospital diagnosed with acute cholecystitis Dec. 2, 2013. That day, according to the lawsuit, Linn began a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which he transferred into an open procedure. Almasan, who went into respiratory distress after surgery, remained at the hospital for one more day until his death Dec. 4, 2014.
The lawsuit states Ion Almasan should have more closely been cleared for surgery, having had a pulmonary evaluation and other tests, because he had a history of surgical complications. As a result, Ion Almasan sustained respiratory distress, pain and suffering, and a worsening of his condition until his death, the suit says.
George Almasan seeks damages of more than $100,000, plus costs. He is represented by attorney Keith L. Young of Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 2015L008158.