Healthcare professionals are meant to care for their patients, and the companies that hire them should vet their employees to ensure they are safe, of sound mind, and reliable. Sadly, a South Holland mother’s experience proves that this does not always happen. Now she is bringing a lawsuit against the facility responsible.
Special Needs Abuse
The woman’s daughter suffers from hypoxic-ischemic encephalogoy, cerebral palsy, and a seizure disorder – all results of a traumatic birth injury. She requires close monitoring, and when she started kindergarten she required the services of a personal nurse to assist with her daily activities and medical care while at school. This nurse, employed by the Pediatric Services of America, Inc. allegedly abused the child instead of caring for her.
Witnessed by two teachers at the school, the nurse reportedly slapped the child numerous times while talking on her cell phone. A report was filed and investigations ensued. Credible evidence of child abuse or neglect was found by the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services, and the nurse was ordered to stay away from both the mother and the daughter.
Facility Failed to Conduct Adequate Background Check
During the DCFS investigation, the LPN’s criminal background was unveiled. Court records showed two arrests for felony theft, a guilty plea to felony fraud and felony theft, an arrest for aggravated assault with a gun or knife, and an arrest for knowingly committing property damage. Allegedly committed over the course of 14 years, these crimes were all on her criminal record. Had the facility conducted a full background check, they would have learned of her criminal history.
Their failure to do so, and their uninformed hire of the nurse, put the young girl at risk. The mother, and her representing attorneys, McKenna and Christopher Hurley from [[title]] feel they should be responsible for the undue harm suffered by the young girl. She is seeking damages in excess of $50,000.
Fighting for Justice
No parent should never have worry if a healthcare professional will abuse or harm their child. But, if and when it does happen, the Chicago personal injury attorneys of Hurley McKenna & Mertz are honored to stand beside them in the fight for justice. Compassionate, dedicated, and resourceful, our lawyers provide comprehensive and aggressive representation to victims of negligence and abuse. If you or someone you love is facing a similar situation, contact us at 312-553-4900 and schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your options.
Source:
http://patch.com/illinois/chicagoheights/nurse-criminal-past-hit-special-needs-child-assigned-her-care-lawsuit
