Widow sues Rosewood Care Center over husband's death

The widow of a man who died on Dec. 16, 2006, filed a wrongful death suit against Rosewood Care Center of Swansea in St. Clair County Circuit Court May 14, claiming the nursing home failed to provide Forest Park Hospital documents consisting of a complete fall risk assessment.

Mary O'Neil claims her husband, Robert, was a patient at Rosewood and was suffering from dementia, Alzheimer's, agitation and other conditions.

She claims that on May 20, 2005, Robert was transferred from Rosewood to Forest Park Hospital in St. Louis after suffering from agitation and acting out towards staff at Rosewood.

O'Neil claims her husband was on fall precautions at Rosewood which included a flat bed in the floor, an alarm and close monitoring by staff.

After his admission to Forest Park, Robert fell and fractured his right femur and destroyed his previously inserted right hip prosthesis, the complaint states.

O'Neil claims Rosewood failed to advise Forest Park of Robert's condition and the fact that he was on severe fall precautions and failed to issue a transfer order which would have advised the hospital of the seriousness of Robert's condition including his high risk fall status and his need for a full-time sitter.

O'Neil claims her husband experienced pain and suffering, incurred medical bills and lost the enjoyment of life prior to his death.

She also claims Rosewood's negligence caused Robert to lose his chance of survival.

Represented by Robert O'Neil of the Rex Carr Law Firm of East St. Louis, Mary O'Neil is seeking damages in excess of $250,000, plus costs of the suit.

07 L 245 (20th Circuit)