Family Alleges Severe Nursing Home Negligence in Death of 97-Year-Old Man Who Contracted Penile Cancer
The family of an elderly nursing home patient who died after his genitals disintegrated is suing Everett Care & Rehabilitation for nursing home negligence. In their nursing home neglect lawsuit, they claim that staffers failed to provide Charles Bradley with the proper care.
Bradley had been living at the assisted living facility since 2004, when he moved there to be with his wife, who required 24-hour care. After her death, he stayed at the nursing home.
On November 7, 2007, a nurse notified the residential care manager that the elderly resident had a wound on his penis. The state’s Department of Social and Health Services says the manager did not tell Bradley’s doctor. She went on vacation and forgot about the report.
In March 2008, he was taken to the hospital at his son’s insistence. Jeff Bradley was very concerned about his dad’s deteriorating health. At the hospital, medical staffers diagnosed him with penile cancer, genital infection, severe urinary tract, and pneumonia in both lungs. State records indicate that his penis was almost gone. Charles died 18 days after he was admitted to the hospital.
Nursing home workers told investigators that the elderly patient refused to take baths, did not want help when using the toilet, and wouldn’t let them check him for wounds. They said he usually allowed only one of the nursing aides to provide him with "intimate" care.
The state has cited the assisted living facility for violating federal care standards by neglecting to provide the 97-year-old resident with timely medical care, failing to report that Bradley would not let workers check his genitals, and neglecting to tell his doctor or family members about the changes in his health.
While nursing home residents are allowed to refuse care, it is important to remember that many patients may not know that saying no to certain medical care or help could be detrimental. Some patients suffer from deteriorating mental conditions or may be too embarrassed to get the care that they need. Nursing homes can be held liable for negligence if the patient does not get the care he or she needs.
You can contact an experienced nursing home law firm in your state to explore your legal options. In Illinois, our Chicago nursing home lawyers would be happy to speak with you.
Nursing home cited, sued after elderly man's genitals disintegrate, SeattlePI, October 16, 2009
Lawsuit: Wash. nursing home neglects penis ailment, The Seattle Times, October 16, 2009
Related Web Resources:
Penile Cancer, National Cancer Institute
