A Cook County woman filed suit as estate administrator against a long-term care nursing home, claiming negligence in a 2014 fall that allegedly resulted in serious injuries to the decedent.
Frances Melendez brought a complaint on behalf of Frances Gonzales, deceased, against The Carlton on the Lake Inc. of Chicago on July 1 in Cook County Circuit Court, alleging neglect in the February 2014 incident.
According to the filing, Gonzales was a resident at the facility located at 725 W. Montrose Ave. in Chicago. She suffered from numerous health ailments and was wheelchair-bound, relying on staff for mobility.
The suit states that following an apparent episode of confusion, Gonzales fell out of her bed onto the floor on the morning of Feb. 22 and sustained “a right femoral head fracture and septic shock.” It was not further stated how the patient died.
Court documents indicate that the facility was in violation of regulations by failing to provide adequate care, monitoring and protection to the patient, proper staff training, and adequate precautions to prevent such a fall, including side rails on her bed.
According to papers filed, Gonzales incurred severe and permanent injuries, pain and suffering and medical expenses. It was not further stated how the patient died.
Alleging patient neglect and violation of the Nursing Home Care Act, the plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $50,000 plus attorney’s fees and costs. She is represented in the case by Melanie Fairman of Seidman Margulis & Fairman in Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 2015L0006741.