BELLEVILLE – The family of a Protestant Memorial Medical Center patient who died while in their care claims he received negligent care allegedly causing his condition to worsen.
Plaintiff Joyce Hairston, acting as administrator of the estate of Johnnie Hairston, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Protestant Memorial Medical Center, Inc. doing business as Memorial Care Center, and Memorial Hospital-Belleville, citing negligence and recklessness in violation of the Illinois Nursing Home Act.
According to the lawsuit, on April 2, 2021, Johnnie Hairston was admitted to the Memorial Hospital in Belleville (MHB) complaining of chills, loss of appetite and general weakness. Hairston was diagnosed with a temperature of 100.7 degrees. During his stay at MHB, Johnnie reportedly developed an ulcer on his sacrum and was further diagnosed with a urinary tract infection.
On April 15, Hairston was discharged from MHB and admitted as a resident at Protestant Memorial Medical Center (MMC) for rehabilitation with the intent of eventually being able to return home.
In May 2021, Hairston was readmitted to MHB for ongoing complications related to the ulcer and other conditions. While under the care of MHB Hairston ultimately died on June 9, 2021.
According to the lawsuit, the defendant negligently failed to provide proper care and treatment to Hairston.
The lawsuit states that as Hairston was admitted into the defendants' care, he was a protected individual under the state's Nursing Home Act. The suit states that he experienced pain, suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, disability, loss of normal life and ultimately died as a result of the defendant's negligence and carelessness.
Joyce Hairston is seeking damages and any other relief the court deems proper. She is represented in this case by the attorneys of Armbruster Dripps Blotevogel, LLC in Maryville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 23LA0386