Veronica Jones, acting as the Independent Administrator of the Estate of Jane Paschall, has filed a lawsuit against the United States of America. The complaint was submitted on February 10, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The case revolves around allegations of negligence leading to wrongful death at a VA hospital.
The complaint arises under the Federal Tort Claims Act and is centered on events that transpired at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital's Extended Care Center. Jane Paschall was admitted to this facility on March 24, 2021, where she required assistance due to impaired cognition and risk of choking. Tragically, on November 29, 2022, Jane choked while eating at the facility and subsequently died from asphyxiation. Veronica Jones claims that this incident resulted from negligent acts by the hospital staff who failed to provide necessary supervision and care.
Jones accuses the United States of America of multiple breaches in duty through its agents and employees at the VA hospital. The complaint details failures such as not protecting Jane from neglect, inadequate supervision during meals, improper assessment of her choking risks, and failure to implement an appropriate care plan based on her needs. These alleged omissions led directly to Jane's choking incident and subsequent death.
In seeking justice for these grievances, Veronica Jones is pursuing compensation exceeding $50,000 for damages caused by what she describes as egregious conduct by the defendant. She argues that this legal action is necessary not only for recompense but also to deter future negligence and protect public safety.
The lawsuit seeks relief under both the Survival Act and Wrongful Death Act provisions in Illinois law. Veronica Jones emphasizes that Jane’s next of kin suffered significant emotional distress due to her untimely death. The complaint also notes financial impacts on Jane’s estate from medical expenses incurred prior to her passing.
Representing Veronica Jones is attorney Matthew Heimlich from The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates P.C., located in Chicago. This case is being heard under Case ID: 1:25-cv-01408 in front of judges yet unnamed.