Daughter files wrongful death suit against O'Fallon Healthcare

Dorothy L. Lunsford is suing O'Fallon Healthcare as a result of her mother's death.

In a suit brought March 27 in St. Clair County, Lunsford claims her mother Mary Jane Held suffered a fall at the nursing home on March 24, 2004, and died one day later.

"Plaintiff's decedent fell and sustained a fracture, resulting in great and unnecessary anguish, distress and conscious pain and suffering," the complaint states.

Lunsford is seeking damages in excess of $100,000 under the Illinois Survival Statute and Wrongful Death Act. She is represented by Goldenberg, Miller, Heller & Antognoli of Edwardsville.

According to the complaint, nursing home staff "carelessly and negligently moved or repositioned plaintiff's decedent and failed to supervise so as to cause plaintiff's decedent to suffer a fall."

Lunsford also alleges the nursing hone was negligent for failing to "use protective devices, such as a personal alarm, to prevent falls and to ensure staff was aware if she left her bed unassisted."