|
“Attorneys filed suit on behalf of the family of 90-year-old
Richard Cieski Sr., a Korean War veteran who died in November
2020 after exposure to COVID-19 at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home,”
said a statement from Levin & Pecorino.
Cieski, who had been at the home since 2017, died Nov. 15, 2020
after being exposed to the virus. He was diagnosed with COVID-19
on Nov. 5, according to the lawsuit.
Lax COVID-19 protocols at the home were revealed over the span
of several legislative hearings reviewing the outbreak that
sickened hundreds and led to the deaths of 36 residents. That
review included reports of ineffective hand sanitizer and
employees not following various guidelines. There was also
criticism the state allowed infected staff to continue to work.
Some lawmakers at the statehouse continue to have questions
about why it took the state nearly two from being notified of
the outbreak.
“After seeing what was happening with outbreaks at facilities
nationwide, LaSalle Veterans’ Home had plenty of time to order
enough PPE and properly staff the home to care for the
residents,” said Levin & Perconti partner Michael Bonamarte.
“Richard Cieski’s death could have been avoided had LaSalle
taken appropriate precautions.”
Levin & Perconti provided notice from the Illinois Court of
Claims that the claim for $2 million will be investigated by the
Illinois Attorney General, which will represent the state.
The Illinois Attorney General’s office didn’t immediately
respond when asked for comment.
|
|
