Illinois Nursing Home Negligence?: Discovery of Mold at Assisted Living Facility Causes Woman to Question the Cause of Her Mother’s Death
After the Illinois Department of Health’s discovery of black mold on the walls and window sills in a number of residents’ rooms at the Galesburg Terrace nursing home, the media is reporting that one woman is questioning whether the toxic substance contributed to her mother’s death.
Becky Sottos’ mom Mildred passed away six months ago. Doctors determined that the 79-year-old, who smoked until the last couple of years of her life, died from pneumonia. Now, however, Sottos is wondering whether the mold worsened her mother’s health.
Meantime, other nursing home residents at the Illinois nursing home have also expressed concern about the black mold. According to WQAD.com, Gilbert Bouchez, one of the patient’s whose room was housing the mold, says he’s been hacking and coughing since April. Resident Myrtle Potter says that she too has had a chronic cough. Her son David Ennis told News Eight that even after mold was discovered in her room, the assisted living facility did not bother to transfer her to another room. He also claims that he and his family were not notified about the mold.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has cited the assisted living facility for the mold, ventilation care errors, and mistakes related to the administering of medication.
Black Mold
Considered a toxic substance, black mold is a parasitic substance that releases mycotoxins that can cause health issues. Flu- and cold- like symptoms, wheezing, sore throat, asthma, nasal congestion, depression, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and death can result. Unfortunately, many mold-related illnesses can be misdiagnosed. Considering that many nursing home residents already suffer from weakened immune system and other health issues, exposure to black mold can prove detrimental to them.
Assisted living facilities can be held liable for Chicago nursing home negligence if failure to maintain a sanitary space that is free of toxins causes residents to suffer health issues.
Family of deceased Galesburg nursing home resident concerned after mold discovery, WHO-TV, September 14, 2010
Residents of Galesburg nursing home upset over mold discovery, WQAD, September 13, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Illinois Department of Public Health
Signs of a Black Mold Problem, Toxic Black Mold Information Center
Our Chicago nursing home neglect and abuse law firm would be happy to discuss your case with you during a free case evaluation.
