St. Elizabeth's and Cahokia nursing home sued

St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Cahokia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center were named in a negligence and wrongful death lawsuit filed in St. Clair County Feb. 18 by Lillie Smith. She claims Chauncey Smith, who died Feb. 19, 2003, received poor treatment which ultimately led to his death.

According to the complaint, Chauncey Smith fell at the Cahokia Nursing Center Oct. 14, 2002, and "received improper treatment which led to sepsis ultimately causing his death."

Smith claims that Chauncey suffered great and unnecessary anguish, distress, and conscious pain and suffering and that his overall condition was greatly aggravated and worsened leading to his death.

She is seeking at least $100,000 in damages from Cahokia Nursing and Rehab under the Wrongful Death and Survival Act.

Smith also is seeking at least $100,000 in damages from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital alleging that the hospital failed to properly and timely diagnose Chauncey’s wound infection and the development of sepsis and failed to provide basic care necessary to prevent sepsis, including proper nourishment and hydration.

Chauncey was admitted to St. Elizabeth’s on Nov. 11, 2002, until his death.

Smith is represented by Robert Rowland and Aaron Dickey of Edwardsville.

05 L 141(20th Circuit)