A Wood River nursing home is blamed for the death of a resident who was there for care following a surgery.
Brenda Schneedle, as special administrator of the estate of Nellie Petrokovich, filed a lawsuit May 30 in Madison County Circuit Court against SA-Enc VIP Manor LLC, doing business as VIP Manor, SA-Enc Operator Holdings LLC, Dr. Louis Gary, Katherine M. Stieb A.N.P. and General Medicine of Illinois Physicians P.C., doing business as General Medicine P.C. General Medicine of Illinois Nurse Practitioners P.C., doing business as General Medicine P.C. are also named as defendants.
In May 2011 Petrokovich underwent colon surgery at St. Anthony's Hospital, according to the complaint. She was discharged and transferred to VIP Manor the following month in stable condition. During her time at VIP Manor, Petrokovich's family says she was under the care of Dr. Gary, nurse Stieb and the staff of the nursing home.
The lawsuit claims blood work was ordered for Petrokovich and the results of the tests were subsequently faxed to VIP Manor. The lab results allegedly showed Petrokovich had low sodium levels in her blood. However, nursing home records show no indication staff ever received the fax nor were there any physician's orders for that day.
Within days of the low sodium levels being detected, Schneedle says Petrokovich began to show swelling in her arms, legs, feet and face and was taken to St. Anthony's emergency room for care. She was released two days later and moved back to VIP Manor, according to the lawsuit.
That same day the nursing home staff allegedly noticed Petrokovich had shortness of breath, slurred speech and was confused. Schneedle says Dr. Gary was called and Petrokovich was taken back to St. Anthony's Hospital where she was diagnosed with respiratory distress and congestive heart failure. Petrokovich remained at the hospital until she died eight days later.
Schneedle, Petrokovich's daughter, accuses the nursing home, its owners and staff of negligence for failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent the decline of Petrokovich's condition. She also accuses them of Illinois' Nursing Home Care Act violations and wrongful death.
Schneedle asks for an unspecified amount of money in damages and court costs. She is represented by attorney Jaye Richard Lindsay of Chicago.
Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-899
Wood River nursing home sued on wrongful death claim
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