Elder Law

Lawsuit May Be Only Way To Hold Alden Village Accountable

By Levin & Perconti

Earlier today we reported on the death of yet another young child at Alden Village North, a health facility for developmentally disabled youth. State investigators cited the facility for negligent care that contributed to a 14-month old girl?s passing. Staff members knew that the child suffered a serious infection but waited days before calling a doctor. The child died only hours after the call.

This tragedy is only the latest in over a dozen deaths over the last several years at Alden Village North. Most observers probably assume that the facility faced stiff penalties for its inadequate, deadly care. Unfortunately that is not the case.

A Chicago Tribune story from last month explains that many facilities cited for poor care of vulnerable children have been able to avoid paying large fines for their conduct. For example, Alden Village North has not paid the full amount for even a single citation because of children deaths. In total it only paid around 21% of the total fine levied by the state. It seems that the owners have been able to use loopholes and deal-making to avoid paying the amount ordered for their deadly actions.

It should be no surprise that the owner of Alden Village North and the Alden Village Health Facility has contributed a staggering $900,000 to different political campaigns over the last several years. No doubt the administrator is interested in keeping a close eye on all possible legislation that would affect his ability to make a profit by running these nursing homes.

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on January 11, 2011 (boomark / email).