A patient is suing a doctor and two health care businesses, alleging medical malpractice in a cervical spine surgery.
Rita Vazquez filed a lawsuit Sept. 21 in Cook County Circuit Court, Law Division against Dr. Michel H. Malek, the Illinois Spine Institute and United Surgical Assistants Inc., also known as United Surgical Assistants Corp., alleging medical negligence.
According to the complaint, on Sept. 22, 2011, Malek provided neurosurgical care for Vazquez for her complaints of neck pain at Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago in the form of cervical spine surgery. During the time that Vazquez was under his care, the suit says Malek was negligent in multiple ways.
The suit says Malek failed to to protect vasculature and neurological structures at the time of the surgery from damage and excessive bleeding. The plaintiff alleges she
sustained serious injuries including vascular injury, hemorrhage, nerve injury and continued bodily pain.
Vazquez seeks compensation of more than $50,000 for emotional distress, impaired ability to enjoy life, pain and suffering, plus lost time and wages. Vazquez is represented by attorney Robert M. Romero of Naperville.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 2015L009636.