CHICAGO—A Cook County woman is suing Alden Estates of Orland Park in a dispute involving her 81-year-old father’s death.
Carol Stewart, independent executor of the estate of Matthew Stewart, filed a lawsuit on Jan. 19 in Cook County Circuit Court against Alden-Orland Park Rehabilitation and Health Care Center Inc., doing business as Alden Estates of Orland Park Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, and Alden Management Services Inc., alleging negligence and other violations of the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act.
According to the complaint, Matthew Stewart resided at Alden Estates from Jan. 4-31, 2014 while recovering from hip replacement surgery. The suit says he was on a low-salt, therapeutic diet, required assistance with meals and was at risk for choking. On Jan. 31, Stewart allegedly exhibited a fever, weakness and nausea, and was served breakfast at approximately 9 a.m. A half hour later, the suit claims he was found unresponsive and not breathing with food in his mouth and on his chest. After transfer to Silver Cross Hospital, was pronounced dead at 12:07 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2014.
Stewart seeks damages of more than $50,000. She is represented by attorney John J. Perconti and W. Kent Winingham of Levin & Perconti in Chicago.