Elder Law

Well-known Attorney Dies Following Nursing Home Abuse

By Levin & Perconti

The Montgomery County Courier published a story yesterday on the tragic death of a beloved community member. Attorney Don Brown had devoted his life to helping his less fortunate neighbors. As a criminal defense attorney he volunteered hundreds and hundreds of hours helping those who couldn?t afford legal services. In one high-profile case, Brown helped saved the life of an innocent man who was sent to death row.

Don Brown was always ready to help those who were vulnerable around him. Unfortunately, he was not afforded the same care when he entered a nursing home following several heart problems. He entered the Willis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in mid-August because he needed close care following complications from congestive heart failure and a broken hip. He assumed that the facility would provide the optimal location to recovery following a surgery. The nursing home offered long-term acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing care.

But Don did not receive the care to which he was entitled. Virtually as soon as he arrived, staff members put him on a medication regime that was far stronger than necessary. He received anti-psychotic drugs and large doses of Vicodin. As a result, Don had trouble eating and eventually suffered from kidney failure. Besides the overmedication, employees failed to treat his infections and bedsores. The mistreatment was so severe that part of Don?s tailbone was protruding from his skin.

Only a few weeks after arriving at the facility, Don was sent to a nearby hospital with pneumonia. He died from complications three days later.

Our Chicago nursing home attorneys at Levin & Perconti work each day to help eliminate the abuse and neglect that takes the lives of innocent residents at many facilities. The first step in improving the care is to ensure that a spotlight is shone on the problem, forcing problematic nursing homes to make changes to their substandard care. If you know of any similar mistreatment, please contact a nursing home lawyer today.

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on September 26, 2010 (boomark / email).