Politics & Government
Choking Victim's Children Say Nursing Home to Blame for Dad's Death
Lawsuit claims the staff did not do all it could to keep their 83-year-old father safe as he ate.
PALOS HEIGHTS, IL -- The children of a man who died after choking are suing the Palos Heights nursing home where he was being cared for, claiming neglect on staff’s part.
Gerald McNamara, 83, choked on food he was served at Manor Care of Palos Heights in Dec. 2013. His children Helen G. and David Cardwell claim did not cut his food into small pieces, and did not supervise him while he ate, according to the Cook County Record.
Helen G. and David Cardwell filed a personal injury lawsuit Nov. 23 in Cook County Circuit Court, naming Manor Care of Palos Heights (West) Illinois, Manorcare Health Services-Palos Heights West, HCR IV Healthcare, and Manor Care of Palos Heights Illinois. Also named are Paul Ormond, Caitlyn Casey, HCR Manor Care, Dr. Rathna Yallapragada, Susan Kio, Ngozi Uwadiale, Jill Catherine Hickey, and MLP1, an unnamed nursing home employee.
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The case is brought under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act. The Cardwells seek damages of more than $50,000.
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