Nursing Home Resident Awarded $3.5 Million After Amputation of Right Leg

A Smithton nursing home resident lost her lower leg after an allegedly untreated toe infection progressed to sepsis, bone infection, and gangrene.

A Smithton, Illinois nursing home resident recently won a lawsuit in Saint Clair County after losing her right lower leg. In 2022, the 64-year-old woman lived at Bria of Smithton, a skilled care nursing facility. During her time there, she developed an infection in her right large toe.

According to her lawsuit, the infection was improperly treated for months and eventually led to sepsis, a bone infection, and gangrene. She was eventually transported to a hospital emergency room and later underwent a below-the-knee amputation. She subsequently suffered a stroke affecting the left side of her body and lost her lower right leg. She is now confined to a wheelchair.

On August 27, 2024, an Illinois court awarded her $3.5 million.

Quick Answer:
A nursing home may face a negligence claim when a resident’s medical condition is not properly monitored or treated and the failure causes serious harm. In this case, the lawsuit alleged that an untreated toe infection progressed into much more serious complications, ultimately resulting in the resident losing her lower leg.

How an Infection Led to a Life-Altering Injury

The lawsuit alleged that the resident had an infection in her toe for an extended period before July 2022. According to the allegations, the nursing facility failed to properly treat the infection during that time.

As the condition progressed, the resident allegedly developed increasingly serious complications. The infection eventually led to sepsis, a bone infection, and gangrene. Her condition became severe enough that she had to be sent to a hospital emergency room.

A Toe Infection Developed

According to the lawsuit, the resident developed an infection in her right large toe while living at the nursing home. The infection allegedly remained untreated or inadequately treated for an extended period of time.

The Infection Progressed

The lawsuit alleged that the infection progressed to sepsis, a bone infection, and gangrene. According to the allegations, the family was not informed that gangrene had developed in the resident’s toe.

The Resident Was Sent to the Hospital

As the resident’s condition became more serious, she was ultimately transported to a hospital emergency room for treatment.

A Below-the-Knee Amputation Followed

The resident eventually underwent a below-the-knee amputation. She later suffered a stroke affecting the left side of her body and is now confined to a wheelchair.

The Court Awarded $3.5 Million

On August 27, 2024, an Illinois court awarded the nursing home resident $3.5 million in connection with her lawsuit.

What the Lawsuit Alleged

According to the lawsuit, the resident had been suffering from the infection for a significant period of time before July 2022. The plaintiff alleged that the nursing facility failed to take appropriate steps to treat the infection.

The lawsuit further alleged that the resident’s condition progressed to gangrene and that her family was not informed about the severity of her condition. Her attorneys also alleged that the nursing home had previously been cited by the Illinois Department of Public Health for improper nursing care and violations of the patient’s rights.

Why Early Treatment Matters:
Infections can become increasingly difficult to treat when they are not recognized and addressed appropriately. A delay in treatment may have serious consequences, depending on the resident’s underlying health and the nature of the infection.

Nursing Home Residents Have the Right to Proper Care

Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable members of the community. Many depend on facility staff to identify changes in their health, administer treatment, communicate important medical developments, and advocate for their needs.

The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program recognizes important rights for nursing home residents, including the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to receive care that promotes quality of life and maintains physical and mental health at the highest practical levels.

When a resident’s medical needs are overlooked or ignored, the consequences can be devastating. Families who suspect that a loved one has suffered because of inadequate care may need to investigate the circumstances and determine whether the facility failed to meet the applicable standard of care.

Analyzing the Nursing Home Neglect Lawsuit

This case is a striking example of the potential consequences of nursing home neglect. According to the allegations, the resident’s toe infection was initially treatable, but the condition continued to worsen while she remained at the facility.

The lawsuit alleged that the failure to appropriately address the infection allowed it to progress to much more serious medical complications. Ultimately, the resident suffered an amputation and other life-altering consequences.

Nursing homes are expected to provide care consistent with the applicable professional standard. When a facility fails to properly monitor a resident, recognize a developing medical problem, communicate important health information, or provide appropriate treatment, those failures may become significant evidence in a negligence case.

Recognize the Problem

Changes in a resident’s condition, untreated wounds, infections, or unexplained injuries may require immediate attention.

Preserve the Records

Medical records, treatment notes, photographs, incident reports, and communications with the facility can help document what happened.

Investigate the Care

A qualified attorney can investigate whether the facility’s actions or omissions contributed to the resident’s injuries.

Talk to a Decatur, IL Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Today

Patel Law, PC represents the interests of nursing home residents who have been abused or neglected by nursing home staff. If you believe a loved one suffered serious harm because of inadequate nursing home care, call our Decatur personal injury lawyers today to schedule a consultation so we can begin investigating your lawsuit.