Eldercare of Alton named in Madison County wrongful death suit

An Alton nursing home is accused of causing the death of one of its residents.

Tina Arnold, independent administrator of the estate of Helen R. Cline, filed a lawsuit Jan. 30 in Madison County Circuit Court against Eldercare Inc., doing business as Eldercare of Alton, and Alton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, LLC, doing business as Alton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Dr. Rajnikant K. Patel, of Edwardsville, is also named as a defendant.

Cline became a resident of Eldercare of Alton in March 2011 and was under the care of Dr. Patel, according to the complaint. However, in the early part of April 2011 Cline was transported to St. Anthony's Health Center in Alton. She was allegedly suffering from several ailments including septic shock, dehydration and multi-system failure. Cline remained at the hospital until she died later that month.

Dr. Patel and Eldercare of Alton are accused of wrongful death and of violating Illinois' Nursing Home Care Act for allegedly not providing proper care to the deceased during her stay. Arnold claims the doctor and the nursing home are liable for Cline's death. She asks for more than $200,000 in damages for medical expenses and costs of the lawsuit.

Attorney Stephen J. Telken of East St. Louis represents Arnold.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-152