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COOK COUNTY RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Northwestern Medical and surgeon sued over alleged negligence after plastic surgery

Healthcare

A woman is suing Northwestern Medical and one of its surgeons over claims of negligence leading to further surgeries.

Jill Mehrberg filed a complaint Aug. 21 in Cook County Circuit Court, Law Division against Northwestern Medical Group, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation, Northwestern Medicine Physician Partners, Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery S.C., and John Kim, M.D., alleging negligence.

According to the complaint, on Aug. 13, 2013, Kim, a plastic surgeon employed by the other defendants, evaluated Mehrberg for bilateral breast reconstruction to be performed after bilateral mastectomies, recommending reconstruction of her left breast using the latissimus dorsi flap method rather than an implant.

On Aug. 26, 2013, the complaint states, Mehrberg underwent bilateral mastectomies and then bilateral breast reconstruction performed by Kim in the method he recommended. Later, on Nov. 6, 2013, Mehrberg was seen at the University of Chicago Medical Center for post-operative problems including pain, decreased range of motion, swelling, tenderness and persistent redness, where she was diagnosed with an acquired defect of the left breast after reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap with a possible chronic infection.

The complaint states Kim was negligent in recommending latissimus dorsi flap surgery rather than using a breast implant and in failing to diagnose post-operative complications including infection, among other negligent acts or omissions.

As a result, Mehrberg has had to undergo a protracted and persistent course of follow-up treatment for her left breast.

Mehrberg seeks a judgment in excess of $50,000. She is represented by Keith A. Hebeisen of Clifford Law Offices PC in Chicago.

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