A woman who was hospitalized after a left hip fracture has filed suit against Gateway Regional Medical Center, alleging she fell after employees left her unattended in the bathroom.
Dorothy Marsala claims she was hospitalized on Oct. 9 for a left hip fracture.
According to the complaint filed July 9 in Madison County Circuit Court, Marsala was known to be at risk for falling because of her fracture.
Despite their knowledge of Marsala's fall risk, employees left Marsala unattended after they assisted her to the restroom, the suit states.
As a result, Marsala fell and injured her shoulder while going to the bathroom on Oct. 9, the complaint says.
Because of her fall, Marsala claims she experienced pain, disability and disfigurement and incurred medical expenses.
Gateway Regional Medical Center employees failed to properly supervise Marsala, failed to provide her support and failed to have a sufficient number of nurses present to prevent Marsala from falling, according to the complaint.
Marsala is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.
Lanny Darr and Schrempf, Kelly, Napp and Darr in Alton will be representing her.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-719.
Woman left unattended in bathroom sues Gateway Regional
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