Attorney with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Offers Thoughts On Nursing Home Wrongful Death Suit

Chicago, IL (Law Firm Newswire) August 29, 2013 – A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against an Illinois nursing home.

Brenda Schneedle filed the lawsuit as special administrator of the estate of Nellie Petrokovich, alleging negligence and wrongful death on the part of VIP Manor in Wood River, Illinois. Petrokovich was transferred to VIP Manor for care in June 2011, after undergoing colon surgery at St. Anthony’s Hospital. The lawsuit claims that the nursing home’s lack of care led to Petrokovich’s death.

“Nursing home abuse and neglect is a growing problem,” said Robert Briskman, a Chicago wrongful death lawyer. “When negligence on the part of nursing home personnel causes the death of a resident, a lawsuit can help the family obtain compensation for their loss.”

According to the lawsuit, Petrokovich was transferred to VIP Manor in stable condition after colon surgery, and the results of blood work that had been performed were faxed to the nursing home. The lab results allegedly indicated low sodium levels in Petrokovich’s blood. However, the nursing home records show no sign that the facility’s personnel received the fax or that there were any physician’s orders given.

The lawsuit alleges that Petrokovich showed swelling in her extremities within days of the detection of low sodium in her blood and was taken to the emergency room at St. Anthony’s for care. Two days later, according to the complaint, she was transferred back to VIP Manor.

The complaint claims that when Petrokovich returned to the nursing home, staff noticed she was confused and short of breath and that her speech was slurred. She was transferred back to St. Anthony’s where she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and respiratory distress. Petrokovich died in the hospital eight days later.

The lawsuit claims that the nursing home owners and staff failed to take proper action to prevent Petrokovich’s decline in health. According to the complaint, Petrokovich was under the care of a physician and nurse, who are also named as defendants. The lawsuit alleges negligence, wrongful death and violations of the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act. Schneedle, Petrokovich’s daughter, is requesting an unspecified amount of damages, and court costs.