EDWARDSVILLE – Alton Memorial Rehabilitation & Therapy is being sued by a patient's son after his mother fell and suffered injuries.
Plaintiff Timothy R. Martin, acting on behalf and through power of attorney for his mother Joan Richards, filed a lawsuit in the Madison County Circuit Court against the Alton Memorial Hospital, doing business as Alton Memorial Rehabilitation & Therapy, formerly known as Eunice Smith Home, citing negligence in violation of the state's Nursing Home Care Act.
According to the lawsuit, Richards was a patient in the care of Alton Memorial Rehabilitation & Therapy from Nov. 24, 2020, through Jan. 17, 2021. Upon admission, Richards was assessed as having a significant risk for falls. Despite the assessment, Richards allegedly fell and injured herself. Her injuries required that she be transferred to the hospital for emergency care. The lawsuit states that Joan was diagnosed with extensive facial and skull fractures and a hemorrhage.
According to the lawsuit, the nursing staff at Alton Memorial failed to perform their required duties to properly safeguard Richards from falling down. As Richards was admitted into their care, she was a protected individual under the state's Nursing Home Act.
The plaintiffs are demanding a trial jury to seek damages in excess of $50,000, plus attorney fees and any other relief the court deems proper. They are represented by attorneys Brian W. Burge and Craig J. Jenson of MeyerJensen, P.C. in Alton.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 2023LA000060