The family of a woman who had been in nursing care is suing a Hoffman Estates health care facility and two facility officials, alleging injuries suffered after someone came into her room at night and slapped her repeatedly across the face.
The estate of Catherine Kelly filed suit June 30 in Cook County Circuit Court against Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, HCR IV Healthcare, Manorcare Health Services-Rolling Meadows, owner Maureen Krahl and administrator Paul Ormond.
According to the lawsuit, on Feb. 25, 2014, Kelly was admitted to Manorcare for rehabilitation after a stay in the hospital, and on April 25, 2014, without her or her family's consent, the defendant moved Kelly to Alexian Brothers, based on Manorcare's diagnosis she required psychiatric care.
Sometime during the night between April 29-30, 2014, the lawsuit states, Kelly's family was notified by an Alexian nurse that Kelly's face and upper lip had been bruised, and that both of her arms and wrists were discolored and swollen. The nurse also informed the family the plaintiff complained that someone came into her room during the night, held her wrists down and "slapped her face from side to side," the lawsuit states. She tried to call for help, the lawsuit states, but no one came.
As a result, the suit says, Kelly sustained severe physical injuries before her death, including bruising, facial trauma and neck pain, as well as pain and suffering.
The estate seeks damages in excess of the court's jurisdictional limits, plus costs. It is represented by attorney Justina M. De Grado.
Cook County Circuit Court Case No. 2015L006690.