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The Chicago-based law firm Levin & Perconti filed a wrongful death lawsuit Wednesday, Sept. 1 in Cook County against ManorCare Health Services-Hinsdale on behalf of the family of Dolores “Dee” Howorth, who died in April 2009 after spending less than a month in the nursing home.
According to a release issued by the law firm, Howorth, formerly of Western Springs and Woodridge, died of acute renal failure brought on by severe dehydration 27 days after being admitted to the facility.
The suit claims the death was due to negligence on the part of the nursing home, located at 600 W. Ogden Ave., Hinsdale. Howorth entered the facility March 20, 2009, and died April 15. She was 74 years old at the time of her death.
Steven Levin, an attorney with the firm, said staff at ManorCare improperly restrained Howorth through the use of wheelchair lap restraint, neglected to keep Howorth property hydrated and failed to document changes in Howorth’s condition.
“We believe that the nursing home staff chemically and physically restrained Dee Howorth for their own convenience,” said Levin.
When contacted this afternoon by telephone, HCR ManorCare issued a prepared statement saying they had yet to be served with the lawsuit.
“Once we receive the suit, we will review it and respond accordingly,” said Kelly Kessler, manager, marketing communications for HCR ManorCare.
“Since this case is pending litigation and in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations protecting patient confidentiality and resident rights, it is our policy to not discuss pending litigation or individual patients who reside or have resided in the facility,” Kessler said.
The Chicago-based law firm Levin & Perconti filed a wrongful death lawsuit Wednesday, Sept. 1 in Cook County against ManorCare Health Services-Hinsdale on behalf of the family of Dolores “Dee” Howorth, who died in April 2009 after spending less than a month in the nursing home.
According to a release issued by the law firm, Howorth, formerly of Western Springs and Woodridge, died of acute renal failure brought on by severe dehydration 27 days after being admitted to the facility.
The suit claims the death was due to negligence on the part of the nursing home, located at 600 W. Ogden Ave., Hinsdale. Howorth entered the facility March 20, 2009, and died April 15. She was 74 years old at the time of her death.
Steven Levin, an attorney with the firm, said staff at ManorCare improperly restrained Howorth through the use of wheelchair lap restraint, neglected to keep Howorth property hydrated and failed to document changes in Howorth’s condition.
“We believe that the nursing home staff chemically and physically restrained Dee Howorth for their own convenience,” said Levin.
When contacted this afternoon by telephone, HCR ManorCare issued a prepared statement saying they had yet to be served with the lawsuit.
“Once we receive the suit, we will review it and respond accordingly,” said Kelly Kessler, manager, marketing communications for HCR ManorCare.
“Since this case is pending litigation and in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations protecting patient confidentiality and resident rights, it is our policy to not discuss pending litigation or individual patients who reside or have resided in the facility,” Kessler said.
