A resident at the King Bruwaert House in Burr Ridge, Illinois, was the victim of a botched transfer. Instead of using a mechanical lift, a staff member at King Bruwaert attempted to move the resident from reclining chair to bed by himself and without the use of the mechanical lift.
Like many nursing home falls, this incident was both predictable and avoidable. In 2011, the plan-of-care for the resident only called for a mechanical standing lift. A mechanical standing lift utilizes handles that pulls the user to his or her feet. It’s suitable for residents who can support themselves to some extent. In 2011, the resident suffered a broken bone in his leg during a transfer.
After the earlier break, King Bruwaert House administration adjusted the resident’s plan-of-care. A full mechanical lift was to be used for every transfer. A full mechanical lift utilizes slings to completely support the weight of the resident. It’s the safest way to transfer a resident as long as the sling is properly used by two or more staff members.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health Report, a single staff member attempted to transfer the resident using the standing lift. As a result the resident experienced two broken bones in his legs.
Nursing home falls that result in broken bones are extremely dangerous. Broken limbs require constant dedicated care or they can result in infections, bed sores, or pneumonia. Sadly, many injuries stemming from nursing home neglect can result in the wrongful death of nursing home residents.
If you have a loved one who has been injured during a transfer in an Illinois nursing home, contact our Chicago nursing home lawyers for a free and confidential evaluation of your case. At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle we never charge a fee unless we get a recovery for you.