Collinsville Rehab named in malpractice complaint

A woman has filed suit against a Collinsville nursing home, claiming a man died after developing multiple pressure ulcers and becoming severely malnourished.

Dorothy Ley, special administrator of the estate of Edwin Ley, claims Edwin Ley was staying in Petersen Health Enterprises doing business as Collinsville Rehabilitation and Health Care when he developed multiple non-healing pressure ulcers, including pressure ulcers to his coccyx, buttocks, foot and elbows.

According to the complaint filed Dec. 14 in Madison County Circuit Court, Edwin Ley also developed severe malnutrition while a patient at the center from Dec. 4, 2007, through Jan. 23, 2008.

On Jan. 23, 2008, Edwin Ley's condition deteriorated to such a point that employees had to rush him to Memorial Hospital's emergency room where he was diagnosed with dehydration and pressure ulcers, the suit states.

Because of his condition, Edwin Ley died on June 10, 2008, the complaint says.

Before his death, Edwin Ley suffered personal and pecuniary injuries including pain, suffering, disability, disfigurement and medical costs, Dorothy Ley claims.

Dorothy Ley blames employees at Petersen Health for failing to provide adequate staffing, for failing to properly train staff on prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, for failing to establish an appropriate care plan and for failing to identify Edwin Ley at risk for skin breakdown, among other negligent acts.

Dorothy Ley is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus attorneys' fees and costs.

She will be represented by Curtis R. Bailey and Michelle N. Dibadj of Kurowski, Bailey and Shultz in Swansea.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1364.