Making the decision for a loved one to live in a nursing home is often difficult for family members in Illinois and across the country. A level of trust is placed in the facility and its caregivers that the patient’s needs will be met. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. One facility’s alleged failure to provide reasonable care to its patients in another state has led to two separate lawsuits against it, both based upon claims of hospital negligence.
One lawsuit was filed by the administrator of the estate of a man who died when he was a resident of a community hospital’s nursing home facility. The allegations against the hospital state that the staff did not provide ordinary and reasonable care for the man. The patient, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, required supervision while walking as well as assistance in moving from one place to another. His death occurred from severe injuries suffered when he fell in a shower room.
The second lawsuit claims a man suffered multiple injuries as a result of the negligence of the hospital, including urinary tract infections and bed sores. Court papers also maintain that the staff recklessly disregarded the rights of the man and robbed him of his dignity. An attorney representing the man noted that a family member had complained to the Monroe County Hospital about improper lift techniques and an incident of insufficient care.
Family members in Illinois that have experienced similar situations with loved ones may choose to file a lawsuit for hospital negligence against the facility involved, like the cases mentioned here. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help families understand the litigation process and recommend how to proceed. A successful outcome in a lawsuit can provide families with compensation to help offset funeral expenses and/or hospital costs as well as provide an award for loss of companionship and other applicable monetary damages.
Source: democratandchronicle.com, “Two lawsuits in a month against Monroe Community Hospital“, Patti Singer, May 24, 2017