CHICAGO — A deceased woman's daughter is suing a sheltered care facility alleging negligence and wrongful death.
Donna Brown, on behalf of Sophie Kepski, filed a lawsuit on Jan. 29 in the Cook County Circuit Court against Belmont Village Glenview Tenant, LLC, doing business as Belmont Village Glenview.
According to the suit, Kepski was a resident at Belmont Village Glenview in the dementia unit. When she arrived, Kepski had a swallowing disorder, required a pureed diet, and had her medications crushed for consumption. At approximately 1:30 p.m. on June 12, 2015, Kepski was reported to be chocking, but when the nurse went over, she was “no longer choking.” At 2 p.m., she was noted as still coughing; and at 4:30 p.m., she was found sitting at an activity table coughing, breathing fast and her nose was running.
The nurse checked her vitals, and Kepski had very high blood pressure. She was transported to the hospital and four days later died, the suit states. The suit alleges Belmont's employees violated the Nursing Home Care Act.
Brown is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 and demanding a jury trial. She will be represented by Mary Ellen Cagney of the Law Offices of Mary Ellen Cagney in Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court Case number 2016-L00997