Wrongful death suit lodged against Calvin Johnson Care Center

The estate of Allen Asbridge, Sr. filed a wrongful death suit against Calvin Johnson Care Center in Belleville claiming the nursing home carelessly and negligently failed to provide adequate and properly supervised care.

Filed Aug. 7 in St. Clair County, Asbridge's estate claims he was a resident at Calvin Johnson from June 1, 2004, until Sept. 3, 2004.

Asbridge's estate claims Calvin Johnson failed to protect Allen from neglect, failed to notify Allen's doctor of any significant changes in his condition which threatened his health, safety and welfare, and failed to provide 24-hour nursing services from enough qualified nursing personnel to meet the nursing needs of the residents.

The estate also claims Calvin Johnson failed to provide necessary treatment and services to prevent the development of decubitus ulcers and to promote healing, prevent infection, and prevent new ulcers from forming and failed to run the nursing home in a manner which enabled them to use their resources effectively and efficiently to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental and psychological well-being of the residents.

Asbridge's estate further claims Calvin Johnson failed to operate and provide services to its residents in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations and failed to maintain their clinical records in accordance with accepted professional standards.

According to the complaint, Asbridge sustained injuries including the development of decubitus ulcers on his feet and legs and gangrene which caused or contributed to his death on Sept. 26, 2004, depriving his heirs of his companionship and society.

Represented by Stephen Buser of Columbia, the estate is seeking damages in excess of $200,000, plus all costs of the suit.