Personal Injury Law

Family Files Wrongful Lawsuit Claiming Man was Victim of Medical Neglect in McHenry County Jail

The family of a former jail inmate is suing McHenry County, the county jail, two of its medical employees, and medical provider Correct Care Solutions for Illinois wrongful death and medical negligence. 35-year-old Steven Crook died from heart disease on May 29. His family claims that he is no longer alive because of the substandard medical care he was given while he was incarcerated last year. They are seeking over $50,000 in damages.

The Illinois wrongful death complaint contends that while in jail Crook was administered Haldol, an antipsychotic drug that is not recommended for people suffering from blood sugar conditions. The family says that Crook, who had diabetes, suffered a serious drug reaction, perhaps even neuropletic malignant syndrome, which led to his death.

The plaintiffs also say that jail employees neglected to monitor the 35-year-old?s blood sugar and improperly put him in isolation when they should have been monitoring him. They lawsuit also accuses the jail of improperly sending Crook to a prison facility.

Just because you or your loved one was an inmate in jail or in prison doesn?t mean that you no longer have civil rights. Prisoners and suspects also are entitled to proper medical care. This means that medical staffers must treat any illnesses or injuries or other health conditions, as well as (if warranted) monitor inmates with preexisting conditions.

If an inmate gets hurt, becomes sick, or dies because of negligent medical care, police brutality, or because law enforcement officers or the government was negligent or careless in any other way, the victim and his or her family may be entitled to Chicago injury or wrongful death compensation.

Inmate?s mom sues jail, Northwest Herald, October 28, 2009

Suit blames medical care in jail for McHenry man's death, Daily Herald, October 27, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Correct Care Solutions

National Commission on Correctional Healthcare

Full post as published by Chicago Injury Attorney Blog on October 28, 2009 (boomark / email).