Falb
A man has filed suit against a Belleville nursing home, alleging it allowed his recently deceased relative to become dehydrated and to die from a urinary tract infection.
Ronald Jones claims Minnie J. Jones began living at defendant Four Fountains Convalescent Center in May 2009.
While living there, Minnie J. Jones became dehydrated, suffered from renal failure and developed such badly infected sores on her feet that her toes had to be amputated, according to the complaint filed Dec. 8 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
On June 21, 2009, Minnie Jones fell out of her wheelchair, further compounding her health issues, the suit states. Within the last month of her life, Minnie J. Jones developed a urinary tract infection, which ultimately led to her death on Nov. 26, 2010, the suit states.
Ronald Jones claims many of Minnie Jones' medical issues could have been prevented had nursing home staff adequately cared for her. For instance, employees at the home failed to treat the sores on Minnie Jones's feet and failed to change the dressings on the wounds to her feet, leading to the amputation of her toes, the complaint says. In addition, staff members failed to notice that Minnie Jones was suffering from a urinary tract infection.
Before her death, Minnie Jones experienced pain, suffering and disfigurement and lost her normal life, according to the complaint.
In addition to Four Fountains Convalescent Center, Ronald Jones names the nursing home's owner, Bridgemark Healthcare, as a defendant. The nursing home also goes by the name Helia South Belt Healthcare, which is also named as a defendant in the complaint.
Ronald Jones is seeking a payment of more than $150,000, plus costs, attorney's fees and other relief the court deems just.
Thomas O. Falb of Williamson, Webster, Falb and Glisson in Alton will be representing him.
Jefferson County District Court case number: 11-L-670.