An Illinois family has commenced a wrongful death lawsuit against a nursing home, alleging that the facility’s failure to exercise due care in providing services and attention to their deceased relative was the ultimate cause of the man’s untimely death. Filed in Cook County, Illinois, the lawsuit claims that the decedent first contracted ulcers resulting from ongoing pressure. Also known as bedsores, pressure-based ulcers can develop on any area of the body that is in constant contact with a bed or other surface. They are common in patients who spend the vast majority of their time lying or sitting. To prevent these injuries from developing, these care facilities must rotate the resident on a regular basis. If they are not treated, bedsores can become infected and lead to serious consequences, including death.
Based on this, the plaintiffs alleged that the nursing home violated its duty of care to the resident in failing to appropriately monitor and address his bedsores. Nursing home facilities must develop a care plan for any resident who has bedsores. This plan often requires routine observation and compliance with a treatment program developed by the resident’s treating physician.
Next, the plaintiffs alleged that the nursing home breached its duty to supervise residents in allowing the decedent to suffer a serious fall that resulted in fractures in his arm. Many residents at nursing homes struggle to walk or move about independently. If the nursing home staff is aware that a resident requires assistance when moving about and fails to provide that assistance, the nursing home can be held liable for any damages that may result. Bone fractures in elderly individuals are particularly problematic because the bones do not heal as quickly or effectively in the elder years. This can result in substantial complications for the victim.
Some of the damages that are available in personal injury claims based on nursing home negligence may include compensation for the victim’s pain and suffering as well as for any medical treatments or therapies that are required to deal with the injuries or conditions. In the tragic situation of a wrongful death, a family may be able to receive compensation for funeral and burial expenses, any medical costs that were incurred before the victim died, and damages based on the role that the victim played in providing love, companionship, and support in their lives.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries or tragically lost their life as a result of a nursing home’s failure to provide appropriate care, including a failure to supervise or comply with a treatment plan, you may be entitled to compensation. At Therman Law Offices, a skilled nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer can handle a wrongful death case or a personal injury claim. We know how painful and traumatic this time can be for a victim and their family. We can fight aggressively to help you seek the compensation that you deserve and achieve justice for the harm that your family has suffered. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 312-588-1900 or contact us online.