Rosewood Care Center of Alton sued over resident's fall

Daniel E. Hayes, as independent administrator of the estate of Donna J. Hayes, filed a lawsuit Jan. 3 in Madison County Circuit Court against Bravo Care of Alton Inc., doing business as Rosewood Care Center of Alton.

According to the complaint, Donna Hayes was admitted to Rosewood Care Center of Alton in August 2011. She had been allegedly diagnosed with Alzheimer's, dementia and elevated levels of lipids. Her family claims Hayes' condition required supervision and assistance with daily activities, including walking.

Two days after moving in to Rosewood, Hayes was allegedly found sitting on the floor in front of a chair in her room. Staff determined the resident was at an a increased risk of falling again, according to the lawsuit. In April 2012 Hayes' family says she fell again, causing her to have a bloody nose and bruised eye. In August, another fall allegedly left Hayes with a broken right leg.

In August 2012 Hayes was admitted to Alton Memorial Hospital to be treated for her broken leg and then moved to Eunice Smith Home in Alton, according to her family. A month later she died, allegedly from complications with her broken femur.

Daniel Hayes accuses Rosewood Care Center of negligence, wrongful death and violating Illinois' Nursing Home Care Act. He seeks more than $150,000 in damages and court costs.

Attorney Stephen C. Buser of Columbia represents the Hayes family. They ask for a jury trial.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-44