FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chicago, IL – March 2025 – Meyers & Flowers attorneys Michael W. Lenert and Thomas M. Connelly have successfully secured a $1,000,000 settlement on behalf of the family of a deceased 87-year-old resident against a Lake County assisted living facility.
The wrongful death claim arose from the facility’s failure to ensure the safety of its resident, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, blindness, and a known history of falls. Despite repeated assurances that proper safety measures were in place, the facility neglected to maintain necessary precautions, ultimately leading to the resident’s head becoming wedged between his mattress and the bed side rail, resulting in his suffocation and death.
The investigation into the facility uncovered alarming deficiencies, including inadequate staffing, failure to properly assess and implement care plans, and the concealment of critical information regarding the circumstances of the resident’s death.
“This case highlights the catastrophic consequences of inadequate care in assisted living facilities,” said Michael Lenert. “Our client’s death was entirely preventable, yet the facility failed to take the necessary steps to ensure his safety. This settlement is a significant step toward accountability and reinforces the need for stricter oversight in these settings.”
In the days leading up to his death, the facility was on notice of the resident’s susceptibility for injury. Despite clear warning signs, the facility’s staff failed to take adequate action to protect the resident from injury. Additionally, the facility failed to conduct necessary room checks which likely could have prevented this fatal incident in which the resident’s head became wedged between the siderail and mattress.
“This family placed their trust in the facility to care for their loved one, only to be met with unimaginable tragedy,” said Tom Connelly. “No family should have to discover that their father suffocated to death alone for hours. We hope this case serves as a warning to other facilities and leads to better care for residents of these facilities.”
Meyers & Flowers remains committed to advocating for the rights of those harmed by negligence and ensuring that facilities entrusted with the care of vulnerable individuals are held accountable. If you or a loved one have experienced neglect or mistreatment in a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact Meyers & Flowers to discuss your legal options. Call us at 630-576-9696 for free, no obligation case evaluation or click here.
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About Meyers & Flowers
Led by Illinois Top 100 Super Lawyer and former President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Peter J. Flowers, the Meyers & Flowers’ team of experienced trial attorneys routinely take on large challenges and succeed. For more than two decades, the firm has represented clients both locally in Chicago and nationally in a full spectrum of cases involving catastrophic personal injuries, sexual abuse, medical malpractice, product liability and corporate litigation.
Contact us today at 630-576-9696 for free, no obligation case evaluation or click here.