A man's family estate is suing a nursing home, alleging negligent care prior to his death.
Carol Nemecek, as administrator of the estate of Thomas Nemecek, filed a lawsuit Aug. 7 in Cook County Circuit Court against Salem Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, doing business as Salem Village Nursing and Rehab, and Healthcare Accounting Services, formerly known as Healthcare Management Associates, alleging negligence and carelessness.
According to the complaint, Thomas Nemecek was a resident at Salem Village, 1314 Rowell Ave., Joliet, from Aug. 9-16, 2013, and at all times he was at a high risk for aspiration. The lawsuit states on Aug. 9, 2013, Nemecek had a tracheostomy collar, and on Aug. 15, he vomited at night, and on Aug. 16, he vomited in the morning and had "low blood oxygen saturation and an increased heart rate."
Later, the suit says, he was transferred to Presence St. Joseph Medical Center for respiratory distress. He died Aug. 17, 2013.
The suit says the defendants' treatment caused Nemecek to sustain injuries that led to his death, pain and suffering and medical expenses.
Carol Nemecek seeks damages of more than $250,000, plus costs. She is represented by attorneys Steven M. Levin and Mackenzie J. Mahony of Levin & Perconti of Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 2015L008082.