Illinois Nursing Home Neglect Lawsuit Claims Resident Died After Pressure Sores Were Not Treated
The administrator of William B. McCuller’s Estate is suing Memorial Convalescent Center and Memorial Hospital for Illinois wrongful death. Winifred Love is seeking a judgment of over $50,000 plus costs. She is alleging Illinois nursing home negligence.
According to her civil complaint, McCuller developed pressure ulcers that resulted in an infection and his eventual wrongful death in 2009. Love claims that staff at both the center and hospital did not properly monitor or treat him, neglected to identify him as someone at high risk for pressure sores, and failed to detect the early signs of wound occurrence. Love claims that the centers’ employees did not follow proper wound prevention and treatment procedures and that because of McCuller’s passing, his family members experienced sorrow and grief and were deprived of companionship, services, instruction, counsel, guidance, love, training, and support.
Factors that Increase the Chances a Patient Will Develop Bedsores:
• Delicate skin
• A chronic condition
• Being bedridden
• Having to use a wheelchair
• Urinary or bowel incontinence
• Not being able to move without help
• Mental illnesses
• Advanced age
Common Causes of Pressure Sores:
• Prolonged pressure, which can occur when the patient stays in the same position on a chair or bed for too long a period of time
• Friction, which can occur when the skin brushes roughly against the bedsheets
• Excess moisture or perspiration on the skin
• Obesity
• Poor health
• Malnutrition
Some Ways to Prevent Decubitus Ulcers:
• Check the skin regularly
• Clean the skin and dry it gently
• Make sure a patient shifts physical positions on a frequent basis
• Use devices designed to prevent pressure sores, such as pressure-relieving cushions for wheelchairs
Pressure sores not treated, says wrongful death suit against Memorial and nursing home, The Record, July 29, 2010
The Lurking Dangers of Pressure Sores, MDA
Related Web Resources:
Pressure Ulcers Among Nursing Home Residents, CDC
