Maryville Nursing Home Accused of Illinois Nursing Home Negligence in Man’s Death
Michael Huntsman is seeking over $350,000 in compensatory damages and a judgment of more than $800,000 for the Illinois nursing home negligence that his father suffered prior to his death. The defendants in this civil case are the Elmwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, its owners Maryville Health Properties, Healthcare Management Associates, Lorraine Suissa, Makhlouf Suissa, Mark Suissa, Noah Wolff, and Eric Rothner, and Fox Med-Equip Services.
Michael’s dad, Elmer Huntsman, had been staying at the Maryville nursing home for less than two months when on October 5, 2008, he experienced shortness of breath, distress, and severe oxygen desaturation. According to Michael’s Illinois nursing home neglect lawsuit, the CPAP machine that was supposed to force air into his lungs to help Elmer breath at night failed to do so. However, despite Elmer’s request that the nursing home staff assist him, they refused to help until the following morning when the day shift called the hospital requesting a non-urgent transfer for him. By the time Elmer got to the hospital, his pupils were dilated and fixed and he showed lividity.
Michael also says that prior to Elmer’s death, his dad developed a urinary tract infection, stage 2, 3, and 4 pressure sores on his coccyx and buttock, and unexpectedly lost weight. He contends that the nursing home and its owners were negligent when they failed to properly assess his dad’s condition, did not provide the patient with the proper supervision, and failed to recognize and treat his condition. The assisted living facility has already been cited for improper nursing in relation to Elmer’s death.
Michael is accusing Fox-Med-Equip, the company that makes the continuous positive airway pressure system device, of a number of negligent acts, including failing to set up proper procedures to make sure that the machine worked properly, and failing to properly train the nursing home staff on how to use the equipment.
Illinois Nursing Home Negligence
Improper nursing care can be deadly for residents, many of whom are already suffering from serious health issues and are prone to health complications, including infections, and bedsores. There may be more than one party who should be held liable for your loved one’s nursing home injuries and health problems.
Determining liability is likely the last issue you want to be thinking about when you are so busy grieving for your loved one. However, the sooner you explore your legal options, the better.
Elmwood Nursing and Rehab Center named in suit, The Record, August 20, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Bedsores, MayoClinic
Nursing Homes, Medicare.gov
