There are several different types of claims that can be filed against nursing homes for injuries caused to residents. These claims include those based on intentional abuse, medical malpractice, and general negligence. A negligence claim is a common claim against a nursing home, and it arises from a provision of care that does not meet the standard expected of nursing homes.
Nursing homes may be liable for acts or omissions that cause injuries to residents. Nursing homes are required to exercise reasonable care in caring for and protecting residents. Thus, in general, a nursing home has to exercise the degree of care and skill normally used by other long-term care facilities under the same or similar circumstances.
Woman’s Family Claims Nursing Home Failed to Resuscitate Her After She Was Found Not Breathing
According to a news article, a family recently brought a lawsuit against a Highland Park nursing home, alleging that staff caused a woman’s death by failing to administer CPR when she was found not breathing in her bed. The resident, who was 52 years old, had diabetes and suffered from kidney failure, but she was only supposed to be at the home for a few weeks while recovering from pneumonia. Last month, a nurse went into her room at around 4 a.m. and found the woman “lifeless and not breathing.” The family alleges that the nurse misread the woman’s chart, which stated whether she wanted to be resuscitated. The family said she wanted to be resuscitated, but no one administered CPR.
The family obtained video from the nursing home, which, according to the family, showed three people going in the room shortly after the incident. The lawyer said no one called 911, called a code blue, or administered CPR. According to the family, the police reports show the nurse waited 30 minutes to call 911. By the time the paramedics arrived, it was too late. The family is alleging claims including negligence under the Nursing Home Care Act and wrongful death.
After the woman’s death, the Illinois Department of Public Health investigated the nursing home. The Department determined that residents must now wear a pink bracelet if they do not want to be resuscitated. The nursing home issued a statement after the lawsuit was filed, claiming that it disagreed with the allegations made in the lawsuit. It stated that it provided a high level of care to all of its residents, including to the woman at issue in the lawsuit.
Contact a Chicago Lawyer to Discuss Your Nursing Home Claim
If you have a loved one who has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, contact an attorney as soon as possible. The Chicago attorneys at Moll Law Group can help you explore the scope of your options and figure out how you should proceed. Our firm represents individuals and families filing claims against nursing homes in a wide variety of circumstances. Call us at 312-462-1700 or contact us through our online form to set up a free consultation.
See More Posts:
Bed-Sores Considered a “Never Event” by Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Illinois Injury Lawyer Blog, March 8, 2017.
Resident-on-Resident Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes, Illinois Injury Lawyer Blog, April 3, 2017.
The Continuing Danger of Lead Paint in Chicago-Area Homes, Illinois Injury Lawyer Blog, March 10, 2017.