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MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Woman blames Atrium Health Care for brother's death

BELLEVILLE – The sister of a deceased man is suing a Cahokia nursing home, alleging negligence caused his death.

Sharon K. Riley, as independent administrator of the estate of Arthur L. Widmar, filed the lawsuit Feb. 26 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Jerome Lane LLC, alleging neglect and negligence under the Nursing Home Care Act.

 

The defendant owned, operated and managed a long-term nursing care facility known as Atrium Health Care & Rehabilitation Center of Cahokia.

According to the complaint, Widmar was admitted to Atrium Health Care on April 20, 2007, living there until Feb. 23, 2014, when he was transferred to Belleville Memorial Hospital. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, hypertension, osteopenia, vitamin B12 deficiency and a blood-related medical disorder, the suit says.

   

Because of the disorder, the suit alleges, Widmar was required to have periodic blood tests to determine if his platelet count was sufficient. An active order was entered for him in January 2014, the suit alleges.

However, the plaintiff alleges no blood test occurred in January, and a new order was entered for February 2014. Again, the suit alleges, no blood test occurred.  On Feb. 23, Widmar was transferred to the hospital where he died March 1, 2014, at the age of 58.

  

The plaintiff reported the situation to the Illinois Department of Public Health, which investigated and found the defendant violated the Nursing Home Care Act by administering improper nursing care to the deceased, according to the complaint.

 Widmar's next of kin allegedly has suffered loss of love, affection, society and companionship of the deceased, and grief, sorrow and mental anguish. Further, his estate was diminished by the medical and funeral expenses incurred, the suit says.

  

Riley seeks at least $50,000 and court costs. She is represented by attorney Stephen C. Buser of the Law Office of Stephen C. Buser Ltd. in Columbia.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-113

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