Chicago Nursing Home Patient Drowns in Bathtub
51-year-old Jean Engstrom has died. She was discovered drowned in a bathtub on Sunday in the West Rogers Park assisted living facility where she lived. The water was still running. Engstrom, who was mentally ill, was a Warren Park Nursing Pavilion resident. Cook County medical examiner's office officials say they were unable to verify whether the nursing home death was an accident, a homicide, or a suicide. It is unclear at this time whether Chicago, Illinois nursing home abuse or neglect was even a factor.
Drowning Accidents
It can just take seconds for someone to become submerged in water and find that they cannot surface for air. Four minutes without oxygen can lead to permanent brain damage and even death. It doesn’t take a swimming pool or an ocean full of water for someone to drown. People have been known to drown in mere inches of water in a bathtub, a bucket, a toilet, or from water covering up the mouth and face. Many drowning victims are unable to call for help.
Chicago Nursing Home Negligence
Chicago nursing homes are supposed to provide their patients with the customized supervision that each of them needs. Depending on their physical and mental state, some residents need assistance and monitoring when they are bathing. Some assisted living facility patients may be so mentally ill that they may be prone to committing suicide unless they are closely monitored. Chicago nursing homes are also supposed to protect their patients from becoming victims of murder, physical assault, sexual assault, elder financial abuse, nursing home abuse, and nursing neglect.
Woman drowns in tub at Rogers Park nursing home, Chicago Sun-Times, July 5, 2010
Bathtub drowning investigation continues, Chicago Tribune, July 5, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Drowning Facts, YMCA
Water-Related Injuries: Fact Sheet, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
To discuss your case, contact our Chicago, Illinois nursing home neglect and abuse law firm.
