Elder Law

Nursing Home Lawsuit Ends with Verdict for Resident Family

By Levin & Perconti

My SA News reported last week on the end of a nursing home trial following claims of negligent conduct by the facility staff. After deliberating for a day following the trial, a jury last Wednesday found nursing home employees at fault for severe bedsores that a resident developed which contributed to his death.

The victim was a resident of the Retama Manor for six years. The facility was purposefully understaffed in an effort to maximize profits, often meaning that a single nurse was responsible for up to 60 residents. That negligence allowed patients to sit without care for extended periods of time?the perfect conditions for dangerous bedsores to affect patients.

The victim in this case was eventually brought to a local emergency room with two bedsores that had rotted to the bone.

In total, considering the medical bills, mental anguish, and pain and suffering, the estate of the deceased resident was awarded nearly $600,000 by the jury. However, under the arbitrary damage cap law in the state, that jury decision will likely be randomly reduced to a lower amount.

The family of the victim spoke out following the decision, explaining that they hope the verdict acts as a wake-up call to the negligent nursing home. The daughter of the resident shared, ?We just didn?t want him to be a statistic. We needed to bring attention to the problems out there.?

Our Chicago nursing home attorneys at Levin & Perconti share the same goal?raising awareness of the continued mistreatment of our elderly friends and family. The number of deaths at our nation?s nursing facilities due to preventable mistakes and chronic mistreatment is astounding. Every day more innocent victims languish in poor conditions with damaging effects on their health and well-being. If you know of anyone who has suffered in this way, please contact a nursing home lawyer and help put an end to the problem.

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