Personal Injury Law

Unattended Patient Dies After 22 Hour Stay In Chair

By Jamie G. Goldstein

Steven Sabock died after he was left unattended for 22 hours in a North Carolina mental institution. No one checked on Sabock who sat in a chair for the 22 hours and choked on his medication. Attendants, however, were only steps away according to surveillance film from the facility. This is not the first incident at Cherry Hospital, and because of prior incidents, officials are threatening to pull funding for the facility. A determination will be made in the coming weeks as to whether the funding will stop.

The death of Sabock likely could have been avoided, as is the case in many injuries and deaths that occur in mental facilities and nursing homes. Prior to having a family member checked into this type of facility, it is important to research the facility and look into several facilities prior to making a final decision.

In Illinois, nursing homes are regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health. If a person has a complaint about a nursing home, it is filed with the IDPH and the nursing home is then investigated. Depending on the outcome, different types of action may be taken against the nursing home. If you are looking into placing a family member into a nursing home, be sure to check with the IDPH about problems with the potential facility.

If your family member has been injured or died as a result of improper care at a nursing home, you may be able to file a claim for the injuries or death. You should contact an attorney immediately to discuss your legal options.

Full post as published by Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer on August 20, 2008 (boomark / email).