The Lincoln Home in Belleville
The daughter of an elderly woman who died three days after falling from a wheelchair at the Lincoln Home in Belleville is alleging the fall was the cause of her mother's death.
Cheryl Dodwell claims that on Nov. 14, 2003, her mother, Bernice Allen, fell from her wheelchair sustaining injuries that led to her death on Nov. 17, 2003, according to a suit filed in St. Clair County Aug. 30.
Dodwell claims Lincoln failed to properly notify and consult with her mother's treating physician and next of kin regarding a significant health deterioration. Lincoln also allegedly failed to care for her mother in a manner that maintained and enhanced her dignity and quality of life, and failed to employ sufficient staff to provide adequate medical care to her mother.
According to the complaint, Allen's estate became liable for large sums of money for nursing care and doctor and hospital bills.
Dodwell also claims her mother's lineal kin sustained a pecuniary loss, including loss of money, benefits, goods, services and society.
She also is seeking damages for the loss of the value of services which her mother would have performed during her lifetime and the loss of contributions would have made for the support of her survivors and funeral expenses.
Dodwell, represented by Robert Gregory and Gil Gherardini of East Alton, is seeking a judgment against Lincoln Home in excess of $200,000 plus all costs of the suit.
05 L 508 (20th Circuit)