Last week this blog discussed the types of nursing home abuse residents in Illinois could be wrongfully subjected to, leading to injuries or even fatalities. The issue of nursing home negligence should not be swept under the rug. Instead, families of victims of nursing home abuse should explore whether they can take any legal action against the negligent workers or facilities that were tasked with caring for their loved ones, and that failed to meet their duty of care.

The family of one woman has filed a lawsuit against an assisted facility in South Holland, after the 98-year-old woman was reportedly given a fatal dose of morphine. The woman’s daughter, who had three decades of experience as a nurse, suspected her mother was not receiving proper care, and wanted to remove her from the facility. However, according to the lawsuit, a few days before this was to happen her mother was given a dose of morphine by an overnight nurse without being prescribed it. Moreover, the lawsuit maintains that when the morphine was administered, the woman did not claim to be in any physical pain. Subsequently, the woman was unable to breathe properly, and passed away two days later. Over $50,000 in damages along with legal costs are being sought.

Tragic cases such as this remind residents of Chicago that no one may be safe from the negligent actions of another. Nursing home residents, who may be in poor mental or physical health, may be especially vulnerable. Nursing home staff are held to a certain standard of care. If they fail to meet it, they should be held accountable.

When you are grieving the loss of a loved one due to nursing home negligence, it may be hard to see the forest for the trees. Getting by day-to-day can be an emotional struggle and at times may seem impossible. However, don’t let this prevent you from exploring whether it is possible to hold the negligent parties accountable. An  Illinois elder abuse  attorney may be able to educate you further about your options in such situations.

Source:  Chicago Tribune, “ Family sues over South Holland woman’s medical care ,” Nick Sedberg, Feb. 26, 2016

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