Highland Health Care Center sued over patient's decubitus ulcers

The attorney in fact for a man blames the center where the man was receiving physical therapy for decubitus ulcers thst formed on his back and heel.

Karen Nickerson, attorney in fact for Felton Schmidt, filed a lawsuit July 9 in Madison County Circuit Court against Covenant Care Midwest, doing business as Highland Health Care Center.

Nickerson claims Schmidt was admitted to Highland Health Care Center on Nov. 5, 2008, for physical therapy following total knee replacement surgery.

While undergoing physical therapy, Schmidt developed decubitus ulcers on his back and left heel, which required surgical intervention, according to the complaint.

Because of the ulcers, Schmidt has suffered a marked deterioration of his prior physical condition, incurred nursing costs that will continue in the future and experienced great pain, anguish and permanent disability, the suit states.

Nickerson blames employees at the center for failing to notify Schmidt's physician of a change in his condition, for failing to administer all treatments and procedures as ordered by his physician, for failing to make observations of changes in Schmidt's conditions and for failing to implement a program to prevent and treat his pressure sores.

Nickerson is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Robert H. Gregory of the Law Office of Robert H. Gregory in East Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-714.