Parker Waichman LLP

Scores of Maggots in Patient’s Ear Prompts Lawsuit

With the senior population growing and living longer, concern for their welfare is paramount. The elderly are among our most fragile citizens and, often, we have no choice but to place our older relatives in the care of others. Sadly, families are left with limited options as reports of nursing home abuse continue to rise. […]

Nursing Home NeglectWith the senior population growing and living longer, concern for their welfare is paramount. The elderly are among our most fragile citizens and, often, we have no choice but to place our older relatives in the care of others. Sadly, families are left with limited options as reports of nursing home abuse continue to rise. Yet, despite ongoing headline-making news concerning abuse of the elderly, the abuse does continue.

In a shocking case, the family of a 90-year-old Alzheimer’s patient claims their mother received poor care by a nursing home that allowed an unbelievable 57 maggots to grow in her ear, said The Chicago Tribune, citing the lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court.

The medical malpractice lawsuit claims that Catherine McCann suffered severe injuries, elder abuse, and neglect because the Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights, Illinois never provided her with “a reasonable standard of professional care,” according to The Chicago Tribune.

A nurse at the facility discovered a maggot moving in Catherine’s ear on September 16. An ambulance was called and she was rushed to the hospital, according to the nursing home’s administrator, Phil Hemmer, wrote The Chicago Tribune. In the Northwest Community Hospital emergency room, McCann’s daughter watched the larvae of flies crawling out of her mother’s left ear as the maggots were being removed, the lawsuit, which was filed on November 28, states.

The McCann family had filed a prior complaint with the state Department of Public Health; however, an October investigation revealed no violations of the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act, said Melaney Arnold, a department spokeswoman. The family’s attorney said the maggots, which were sent to a laboratory, were found to be about three days old. “I’m curious how someone could wash her hair and not notice 57 maggots,” the family’s attorney said to The Chicago Tribune.

Catherine was immediately transferred to another facility.

Meanwhile, Catherine was prescribed medicated eardrops for an ear condition about one week before the maggots were discovered. She received the final dose the night before she was taken to the hospital, said The Chicago Tribune.

The facility cares for 372 nursing home patients, 80 of those patients reside in a specialized unit for Alzheimer’s care. “This is a freak occurrence that has nothing to do with the care she was provided or the environment she was living in,” Hemmer told The Chicago Tribune. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and no less than $50,000 in damages.

We’ve long been following the issue of elder abuse, a devastating indignity that attacks these defenseless members of society on all levels: Physical, emotional, chemical, financial, medical, and sexual. Sadly, neglect, abuse, mocking, and even workers who have abused residents as part of pranks against each other are becoming more and more commonplace.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Quality Tina is very kind professional and extremely helpful , very attentive to my case and keeping me abreast of whats going on is very important to her and myself . i am thankful to have her handling my case
dave b
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Service was very good. People always returned calls and answered my questions and concerns.
Dom Lanzisera
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
PW is top notch. I felt perfectly comfortable with the staff and the in person visit with the paralegal was excellent she explained everything to me in a knowledgeable fashion. I would highly recommend PW.
Vikki Mclaurin
10 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038