Many Illinois residents have loved ones who live in nursing homes and depend on medical personnel for their daily care. Staff at these facilities attend to residents’ health needs, administer medications, evaluate symptoms and provide treatment as needed. Unfortunately, when mistakes are made in health care situations, the result can be catastrophic for patients. Nurse errors regarding medication have led to the filing of a lawsuit against a facility, its owner and a physician.
A resident of a nursing home — a 72-year-old man– was given a medication commonly used in the treatment of diabetes. However, this prescription was intended for another patient, as the man did not have diabetes. The man passed away from profound hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, approximately two weeks following the administration of the medication. Reports show that the man had also received an antibiotic and blood pressure medicine in error.
An investigation by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services revealed that a nurse had mixed up the patients’ records and had given the deceased incorrect medications. The man’s widow and daughter filed a lawsuit, seeking $125,000 in damages. He had initially been admitted to the nursing home with kidney disease and the need for assistance with feeding and mobility. His family noted that the man had been progressing with his rehabilitation and had hoped to be released soon.
Families that have experienced the loss of a loved one due to hospital, physician or nurse errors may decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit. A favorable verdict in a lawsuit can provide survivors compensation that can help defray hospital expenses and funeral costs. It may also award damages for grief and suffering or loss of companionship. An Illinois personal injury attorney will work with families to achieve a favorable outcome in the proceedings.
Source: stltoday.com, “Robert Baehr got the wrong medicine at a Florissant nursing home. Then he died.“, Blythe Bernhard and Joel Currier, Sept. 2, 2017