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Here come the lawyers

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Illinois

* Press release…

Attorneys have launched multiple investigations on behalf of families whose loved ones died from COVID-19 following exposure at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home.

The families of Korean War veterans Richard Cieski and Anthony Samolinski want to know how the facility could have failed to protect the men, who shared a lunch table, from the novel coronavirus.

Since reporting began in March, the veterans home has reported 209 infections and 33 COVID-19 related deaths. A massive outbreak at the state-run facility in November led to 75 veterans and 48 staff members testing positive for the virus. Media reports say that many staff members attended an off-site Halloween party that might have led to the outbreak, the second experienced by the veterans facility. Other reports indicate that staff members were given 3-day tests for the virus and continued to work at the facility during the 3-day period while they awaited results. The state’s Dept. of Veterans Affairs has admitted that hand sanitizer used at the facility was found ineffective against the virus.

The home had a previous outbreak in May that resulted in 53 coronavirus cases and two deaths.

Levin & Perconti, a law firm nationally renowned for its work representing victims in nursing home abuse and neglect cases, is working with the Cieski and Samlinski families to investigate the causes of the November outbreak and could file lawsuits on their behalf. The firm has already filed suits on behalf of COVID victims in a dozen private nursing homes across the state.

“What we’ve seen in looking at other cases is that there’s a consistent pattern of gross negligence among facilities where these massive outbreaks happen,” said Levin & Perconti founding partner Steven Levin. “There are well-documented ways to protect nursing home residents from infection, clearly outlined in federal guidelines, but when leaders fail to put those protocols into practice, we see the results. These are predictable and avoidable tragedies.”

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Dec 18, 20 @ 12:16 pm

Comments

From yesterday;

=== “What I’m curious about is, when is someone going to own this?” he asked. “We all feel bad, we all are devastated at the loss of these 33 individuals, but I keep hearing dodges, I keep hearing explanations. I don’t hear ownership.”

Chapa LaVia said she is ultimately responsible for the department, and referenced the ongoing investigation. “If there’s another idea, please bring it forward right now. These are the resources and tools I have to investigate my own department and to see what went wrong,” she said.===

Chapa LaVia should have resigned by now or have been dismissed.

Here come the lawyers…

“Chapa LaVia said she is ultimately responsible for the department”

As I type this, Chapa LaVia *is* still director… and indeed… here come the lawyers.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 18, 20 @ 12:26 pm
“Launching investigations” is Plaintiff’s attorney lingo for “we’re looking for more clients,” thus the press release, but in this case it seems they have plenty of bad facts to work with.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Dec 18, 20 @ 12:27 pm
When the lawyers arrive, that is when “ownership” is established and more facts are learned as they come out in legal proceedings.

Comment by Captain Obvious Friday, Dec 18, 20 @ 12:37 pm
May have to add some more money to the budget for these settlements. 33 deaths so far.

Comment by Frank talks Friday, Dec 18, 20 @ 12:53 pm
=When the lawyers arrive, that is when “ownership” is established and more facts are learned as they come out in legal proceedings.=

Like with election lawsuits?

Comment by JS Mill Friday, Dec 18, 20 @ 12:54 pm
According to a recent AARP Bulletin, “Fewer than 1% of Americans live in long-term care facilities. But 40% of COVID-19 deaths have occurred there.” Lawyers are going to be busy.

Comment by Bigtwich Friday, Dec 18, 20 @ 1:02 pm
== According to a recent AARP Bulletin, “Fewer than 1% of Americans live in long-term care facilities. But 40% of COVID-19 deaths have occurred there.” Lawyers are going to be busy. ==

Wasn’t there some legal protection put in place for most nursing homes, otherwise you figure you would be hearing ’sue over COVID’ ads by now?

One of the many things I have learned working from home and watching TV over lunch is there are a lot of lawyer ads and drug ads (then again the drug ads might be due to me watching old man TV at this point)

Comment by OneMan Friday, Dec 18, 20 @ 1:15 pm
That tort cap increase is really going to cost. Up to $2 million each could make for $66 million just for those who have passed away. I wonder how that compares to what is spent running these homes for a year?

Comment by Wonk Friday, Dec 18, 20 @ 1:43 pm
“these are predictable and avoidable tragedies” Yes only when people follow the rules. There has been a major cry for personal freedoms [from Republicans mostly] Lack of leading by example, I say these deaths are at the hands of those same personal freedoms anti masker leaders from City council to State reps and Senators.

Comment by JuMP Friday, Dec 18, 20 @ 1:55 pm
Last week OW was calling for Chapa La Via to step down because she had not accepted responsibility.

This week OW is clalling for Chapa La Via to step down because she has accepted responsibility.

Atleast he is consistent.

We should find out from IDPH whether their delay getting on site was due to a lack of available personnel, a delay in communication, or some other reason.

There was a big drop in nursing home inspections it seems starting in June. I am concerned IDPH might not habe the staff it needs to effectively monitor long term care facilities.

Comment by Ferris Wheeler Friday, Dec 18, 20 @ 2:11 pm
Not sure elected officials who denied the virus and defied the Governor’s orders can be held accountable in a court. BUT - I’d sure like to see someone make them defend their abhorrent actions in that court. Make them say they never meant for people to take them seriously.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Friday, Dec 18, 20 @ 2:11 pm
==Wasn’t there some legal protection==

Another article in the AARP Bulletin says legal protection varies by state. No nationwide immunity. I think the discussion on national immunity has been taking place in the COVID relief bill in congress.

Comment by Bigtwich Friday, Dec 18, 20 @ 3:31 pm