Lipkin & Apter' expert team of Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers were contacted by the adult children of a 78 year old woman who entered a nursing home following a stroke. The stroke had left her totally dependent on staff for care. Within 3 months the resident developed a bed sore (decubitus ulcer) on her ankle. Within another 3 months, she developed additional bed sores on her buttocks and legs.
Under the Illinois Nursing Home Act a resident must be provided care and treatment which is free of neglect, meaning, care which adequately meets the resident's physical and emotional needs. The failure to do so, resulting in a worsening of the resident's condition, violates the resident's rights, for which those operating the nursing home can be held liable.
The development of bed sores does not automatically mean a resident has been neglected. Sometimes, sores can develop despite reasonable precautions being taken. Not so in this case. Lipkin & Apter was able to prove that the unfortunate woman entered the nursing home without any breakdown of her skin, and that adequate precautions had not been taken to prevent bed sores - for instance, turning the resident in her bed every 2-4 hours, placing her on an air mattress and placing cushions under her feet.
As a result of these sores, the resident underwent multiple debridements, or surgical removal of her infected, dead skin. She died a few months later, of natural causes.
Successful Resolution: $170,000
We pursued the nursing home abuse case on behalf of the 2 adult, surviving children, obtaining a $170,000 settlement on the eve of trial.
No matter a person's age or circumstance, everyone deserves to be treated adequately and timely. This is especially true in situations involving nursing home abuse victims who are often dependent on the care of others. If you or someone you love may have a claim contact the personal injury lawyers of Lipkin & Apter. We are available to speak to you during a free consultation in our office or by telephone.