Illinois Nursing Home Faces Lawsuit In Wrongful Death Case
The Dressel family has alleged that a Lebanon, Illinois nursing home facility contributed to cause a loved one's death. Beverly Dressel alleges that Covenant Care Midwest, doing business as Cedar Ridge Health Care and Rehab Center, failed to properly care for her mother, which resulted in the elderly woman developing bedsores, an infection, and sepsis.
Betty Dressell, suffering from Alzheimer's, entered the facility on October 1, 2008. She remained there until December 5, 2008, when Almost Family and National Health Industries, doing business as Mederi-Caretenders, was hired to care for her. While under the care of Almost Family and National Health Industries and Covenant Care, Ms. Dressel is alleged to have developed pressure sores on her back, buttocks, leg, and feet. She subsequently developed a severe infection, which led to sepsis. Ms. Dressel died from her injuries on April 14, 2009.
The lawsuit, filed January 10, 2011, alleges that while Ms. Dressel was being cared for by Almost Family and Covenant Care, employees failed to recognize symptoms of decubitous ulcers, failed to diagnose the decubitous ulcers, and failed to refer Ms. Dressel to a wound care specialist for treatment. The 51 count complaint alleges medical negligence/wrongful death, statutory negligence, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and loss of consortium and is seeking a judgment in excess of $2.55 million plus costs.
If nursing home employees fail to implement procedures to prevent pressure sores or do not adequately treat existing pressure sores, the likelihood is that residents will develop pressure sores that can cause the resident a serious injury and substantial pain. If employees fail to provide adequate care, there should be substantial penalties against their employer and them personally.
Residents at risk for pressure sores should be:
- turned and repositioned at least every two hours
- provided medication and creams to keep skin soft and supple
- bathed regularly
- kept clean and dry and free from long-term exposure to urine and feces
- provided pads to keep at risk body parts from hard surfaces
