Family of deceased Whitefish man sues Idaho hospital

POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — The family of a Montana resident claims the injuries he suffered in the care of Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center led to his death.

The family of Vernon Bergman is suing the Idaho Falls hospital for $2.5 million.

The federal lawsuit says Bergman became weak and had cognitive difficulty while driving with his daughter to their new Whitefish home in April 2011.

The Idaho State Journal reports (http://bit.ly/17zqD1z ) Bergman had previously suffered a stroke, so his daughter sought medical help.

The lawsuit claims Bergman was left alone and unrestrained. At one point, he fell and struck his head.

An examination found hemorrhages in his brain. He was treated and later discharged that June.

His daughter blames the hospital for the deterioration of his health before he died in March 2012.

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Information from: Idaho State Journal, http://www.journalnet.com