CHICAGO – A Cook County man is suing a Sandwich health care facility, alleging failure to properly monitor his mother’s condition hastened her death.
Ralph Burton, independent administrator of the estate of Rose Burton, filed a lawsuit Dec. 28 in Cook County Circuit Court against Willow Crest Nursing Pavilion Ltd., Dynamic Healthcare Inc., Maurice Aaron and Shimon Goldstein, alleging violations of the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act.
According to the complaint, Rose Burton became a resident of Willow Crest in Sandwich on Dec. 13, 2013, with a medical history of cardiac arrest, acute respiratory failure, obesity and general muscle weakness. As a patient requiring two-person assistance with all transfers, the suit says, Burton was at risk of skin breakdown and needed turning every two hours.
Over approximately the next two weeks, the lawsuit states, Rose Burton developed pressure wounds, a cough, shallow breathing, abdominal distension and pneumonia, conditions her doctor was not initially informed about.
After a bloody cough sent her to Valley West Hospital, the suit says, Burton was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal bleeding and multiple pressure sores. She died Dec. 28, 2013.
Burton seeks a trial by jury and damages of more than $50,000, plus litigation costs. He is represented by attorney Jeffrey Schlapp of Schlapp Law Group LLC in Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court Case number 2015-L012974