Nursing homes, doctors blamed in wrongful death complaint

The estate of Theresa Brown filed a wrongful death suit against two nursing homes and three local doctors claiming their negligence led to her death.

Walter Brown, as the independent executor of the estate, alleges that on Sept. 20, 2005, Theresa Brown was admitted to the Bethalto Care Center and remained a resident there until Jan. 7, 2006.

On Jan. 7, 2006, Theresa was discharged from Bethalto to the emergency room of Saint Anthony's with the diagnosis of severe pressure sores, dehydration, malnutrition and infection, the complaint states.

Brown claims Bethalto failed in its duty to exercise ordinary care by failing to provide Theresa with proper hydration and nutritional support.

He also claims Bethalto failed to obtain proper and timely testing, monitoring, treatment and evaluation, failed to adequately and timely assess Theresa's condition, failed to keep her physicians advised of her condition, failed to protect her from pressure sores and failed to advocate for proper care.

Brown alleges that Dr. Tanin Parich was in charge of Theresa's care while she was a patient at Saint Anthony's from Jan. 7, 2006, until Jan. 20, 2006.

According to Brown, Parich failed to provide timely and proper consultation, failed to respond to reports of changes in her condition, failed to stay apprised of her condition and failed to provide timely care to Theresa.

Brown also is seeking damages from Rosewood Care Center of Alton where Theresa was a resident from Jan. 20, 2006, until Feb. 19, 2006.

The allegations against Rosewood are similar to the allegations against Bethalto.

He also seeks damages against Drs. Rajnikant Patel and Mecca McDonald, the physicians in charge of Theresa at Rosewood. The complaint alleges they failed to treat her at Rosewood.

According to the complaint, Theresa died on Feb. 20, 2006, at Saint Anthony's Hospital as a result of infections, malnutrition and dehydration.

Brown claims that before her death, Theresa suffered great pain and suffering, disability, emotional distress, mental anguish, disfigurement and the loss of a normal life.

He also alleges Theresa's heirs have suffered pecuniary losses and have been deprived of her love, companionship and society.

Represented by Alan Pirtle of the Rex Carr Law Firm in East St. Louis, Brown is seeking damages in excess of $500,000, plus costs of the suit.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Andy Matoesian.

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