The estate of a woman who died due to complications of a perforated colon filed a wrongful death suit against Anderson Hospital and Dr. Stephen Prange Striegel in Madison County Circuit Court Nov. 20.
According to the complaint, Juanita Ludwig died on Feb. 9.
On Oct. 25, 2006, she had a colonoscopy at Anderson Hospital to evaluate lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
Ludwig's estate claims the defendants negligently failed to diagnose her as having sustained a perforated colon and as possessing free intraperitoneal air and failed to operate and treat the perforated colon and address the presence of free intraperitoneal air.
Ludwig's estate claims the defendants' alleged negligent acts caused her to develop peritonitis, abscess, sepsis, and other conditions including a pneumothorax which ultimately caused her death.
Her estate alleged Dr. Striegel had a duty to provide her with the knowledge, skill and care of a reasoanably well qualified surgeon.
According to the complaint, prior to Ludwig's death, she suffered great conscious pain and suffering.
Represented by Brian Bendick of Chesterfield, the estate is seeking damages in excess of $200,000.
The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder.
