A mother is suing a long-term nursing care facility, its management company and two licensed practical nurses, alleging neglectful care led to the death of her daughter.
Betty Ball, as independent administrator of the estate of Dianne Ball, deceased, filed a lawsuit on Sept. 29 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Cahokia Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, SW Financial Services Company and nurses Charlene C. Chukukere and Eddie Williams Jamison, alleging violations of the Nursing Home Care Act.
According to the complaint, Dianne Ball was admitted to Cahokia on Nov. 13, 2013, and was dependent on health care providers to provide her with mobility assistance as she was at high risk for falls. After suffering three consecutive falls toward the end of her first month there, she was admitted to the ICU at Memorial Hospital-Belleville and died Dec. 14, 2013.
The suit states that Cahokia and its nursing staff, including Chukukere and Jamison, failed to develop an up-to-date care plan based on Dianne Ball's individual needs, didn't take all necessary precautions to prevent her from falling, and failed to provide her with appropriate care and services that would allow her to maintain the highest practicable level of well-being.
The suit faults SW Financial Services Company with failing to ensure Cahokia was sufficiently staffed with qualified medical professionals and nurses as to provide adequate care to all residents. Additionally, the lawsuit states SW Financial failed to check that all policies and procedures with regards to resident care plans were being properly implemented.
As a result of Dianne Ball's death, her surviving family members say they have suffered loss of service, companionship and society.
Betty Ball seeks damages, plus attorney fees and suit costs. She is represented by attorneys Paul D. Richter and Caitlin K. Finnegan of Kralovec, Jambois & Schwartz in Chicago.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-557.