$625,000 Settlement for Medical Center’s Failure to Reposition Patient, Bed Sores

Audene Moxley was taken by an ambulance from her home to Piedmont Medical Center. A nurse determined that she was at high risk for developing pressure ulcers and ordered preventive measures, including repositioning the patient every two hours.

Over Moxley’s 9-day hospitalization at this facility, she was left in the same position for multiple hours on many occasions. Although a nurse noted that Moxley had a suspected deep tissue injury, the staff did not timely consult a wound care specialist. In addition, during Moxley’s hospitalization, she developed paralysis below the waist.

For the remainder of her life, Moxley continued to suffer from pressure ulcers and paralysis. After her death, Moxley was survived by her four adult children.

The Moxley estate sued the hospital, alleging that it chose not to prevent the pressure ulcers, and failed to turn and position Moxley every two hours. It was also alleged that the hospital failed to provide a proper bed support surface to prevent pressure sores, and to notify Moxley’s physicians of the pressure ulcers and paralysis, and timely consult a wound care specialist.

The Moxley estate and family charged that the medical center decided not to follow the standard of care for prevention of pressure sores and also chose not to follow its own orders regarding Moxley’s condition.

Although the medical center contested liability, the parties settled for $625,000.

The attorneys successfully handling this case for the Moxley estate were Chad A. McGowan and Ashley White Creech.

Moxley v. Amisub of S.C., Inc., No. 2016-CP-46-03259 (S.C. Ct. Com. Pl. York County).

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling hospital negligence lawsuits, bed sore lawsuits, nursing home negligence cases, nursing home bed sore lawsuits and medical malpractice cases for individuals, families and loved ones who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of a medical provider for more than 40 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Vernon Hills, Wheeling, Riverwoods, Northfield, Rolling Meadows, Morton Grove, Lincolnshire, Oak Park, Berwyn, Cicero, Maywood, Brookfield, Evergreen Park, Calumet Heights, Robbins, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Chicago Ridge, Oak Forest, Hazel Crest, River Forest, Wood Dale, Chicago (Mont Clare, Belmont Cragin, West Garfield Park, Near West Side, McKinley Park, Avondale, North Center, Irving Park, Sheridan Park, Edgewater Beach, Edgewater Glen, Little India, West Ridge, Dolands Addition, Sauganash, South Edgebrook, Hollywood Park, North Edgebrook Wildwood, Old Norwood Park, Edison Park, Union Ridge, Oreo Park, Dunning, Homan Square, Armour Square, Near South Side, Grand Boulevard, Washington Park, Calumet Heights, Beverly, Morgan Park), Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn, Crestwood, Forest Park, LaGrange Highlands and Hickory Hills, Ill.

Robert D. Kreisman has been an active member of the Illinois and Missouri bars since 1976.