Nursing home sued over blood thinner

The attorney in fact for a former resident of an Edwardsville nursing home claims the patient suffered from massive rectal bleeding after nurses gave her a blood thinner.

Ron Matikitis filed a lawsuit Dec. 14 in Madison County Circuit Court on behalf of Ann Matikitis against Bravo Care of Edwardsville.

Ron Matikitis claims nurses at Rosewood Care Center in Edwardsville – a nursing home licensed by Bravo Care – administered 4 milligrams of Coumadin to Ann Matikitis on Sept. 24, 2008, despite the fact that her physician had ordered her prescription to be held because of an elevated PT/INR lab result. The drug, usually used to prevent blood clots, ended up causing Ann Matikitis to experience massive rectal bleeding and to be hospitalized, according to the complaint.

In addition to her injuries, Ann Matikitis suffered a marked deterioration of her prior physical condition, incurred substantial medical bills and suffered great pain and anguish, the suit states. In addition she suffered a severe and permanent disability, the complaint says.

Ron Matikitis blames Bravo and its employees for failing to properly consult with Ann Matikitis' physician and her family members about her deteriorating condition, for failing to timely report the medication error, for failing to provide appropriate general nursing, for failing to record the medication error and for failing to comply with a physician's orders. In addition, employees negligently failed to record the care provided and Ann Matikitis' reaction to the prescription and violated resident care policies, according to the complaint.

For Ann Matikitis' injuries, Ron Matikitis seeks 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-1349.