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Family sues cardiologist of former U.S. legislator

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published March 4, 2007

JACKSONVILLE - The family of a former U.S. representative who died after suffering a brain hemorrhage has sued the cardiologist who was treating her, claiming he did not follow a treatment plan.

Tillie Fowler's death could have been avoided if cardiologist Steven S. Nauman followed his treatment plan, according to the lawsuit filed Friday in circuit court.

Fowler was taking a blood thinner when she suffered the brain hemorrhage in 2005, almost three weeks after Nauman had planned to stop the medication, court papers said.

Fowler was hospitalized after the brain hemorrhage and died on March 2, 2005, at the age of 62.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of her husband and her estate, claims the hemorrhage would have been less severe if Fowler was not taking the medicine. The family is seeking damages of more than $15,000.

Dubbed the "Steel Magnolia," for her quiet tenacity, Fowler was first elected to Congress in 1992.

She retired after four terms, sticking with a term-limit pledge she made. When she retired, Fowler was vice chairwoman of the House Republican Conference and fifth in the GOP hierarchy.

Nauman and his attorney did not immediately return messages left Saturday by the Associated Press at their offices.

[Last modified March 4, 2007, 00:20:37]