Buttock ulcer leads to $50k lawsuit

A man who sustained a skin breakdown on his buttocks filed suit against Robings Manor Rehabilation & Health Care Center in Madison County Circuit Court May 10, seeking damages in excess of $50,000.

The skin breakdown led to a Stage 4 decubitus ulcer, according to the suit.

Ralph Manigan claims the ulcer started to begin on June 22, 2005, and it required repeated surgical intervention over many months at Alton Memorial Hospital.

A decubitus ulcer or pressure sore is an area of skin that breaks down when a person stays in one position for too long without shifting weight. This often happens to wheelchair-bound or bedridden persons, even for a short period of time. Constant pressure against the skin reduces the blood supply to the area, and the affected tissue dies.

Manigan claims the nursing home failed to properly notify and consult with his doctor and next of kin regarding his condition, and the significant deterioration in his physical status and failed to care for him in a manner which maintained and enhanced his dignity and quality of life.

He also alleges Robings Manor failed to timely report the injury and neglect to the Department of Public Health, failed to employ sufficient staff to provide adequate medical or personal care, failed to provide treatment and services to promote healing, prevent infection and prevent new pressure sores from developing and failed to implement a program to treat his pressure sores.

Manigan claims his injury caused him to become liable for medical expenses, suffer pain and anguish, and sustain a severe disability.

He is represented by Robert Grogory of Alton.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Andy Matoesian.

07 L 443