Half of the comedy Duo Allen & Rossi died of esophageal cancer back in June 22, 2014. Rossi practiced all over the country, including St. Louis. His personal assistant and widow have since filed medical malpractice claims against his physician, Dr. Stephen Dubin and his practice Dubin Wellness Center. Dubin had been treating Rossi from early 2010 until the day he died. The lawsuit alleges Dubin’s negligence caused Rossi’s premature and painful death. The lawsuit also claims medical malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
While Dubin was treating Rossi, he was in the process of obtaining a second medical License in December 2010; he was listed as practicing obstetrics and gynecology. Dubin had his Nevada license revoked in 1997. The lawsuit claims that Rossi was incredibly active prior to treatment. It is alleged that Dubin ingrained himself into Rossi’s life; often prescribing pointless tests, and bizarre treatments. Dubin is alleged to have used Rossi's social and political connections for economic gain.
Dubin supposedly treated Rossi for various ailments; weakness, weight loss, back pain, etc. However, Dubin never took blood work, referred Rossi to any specialists or any sort of cancer screening. By the time Rossi was taken in for proper treatment, it was too late.
Medical professionals are held to a higher standard when performing medical treatment. At the very base, they are expected to be licensed to practice medicine in the State in which you are practicing medicine. Even further, they are expected to perform their duty to the best of their ability, which would include performing reasonable tests and medical treatment.
The loss of Steve Rossi is a huge blow to the comedic community; but further, it is a stark reminder that not every medical professional has his clients best interest at heart. Rossi’s story is not unique, it has happened multiple times in the St. Louis area. Fortunately, our attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth have decades of experience dealing with dubious doctors and untrained medical professionals. If you or a family member has been injured as a result of medical malpractice, please give us a call at (800) 391-4318, and we can help you get your family back on track.