Description: Chicago Nursing Home Lawyers Blog — Published by Elder Law Attorney — Robert Kreisman
The Illinois Appellate Court held that an Evanston long-term care facility would have to face a wrongful death trial in court rather than by arbitration. The panel ruled that the facility’s arbitration agreement was optional and therefore unenforceable. One of the appellate court justices concurred, writing that such agreements are financially motivated.
Cheryl Parker sued Symphony of Evanston Healthcare LLC and Maestro Consulting Services LLC, alleging violations of the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act and common-law negligence under the Survival Act and Wrongful Death Act.
Parker sued in the Circuit Court of Cook County on behalf of Mae Jefferson, a Symphony of Evanston resident. Jefferson designated her daughter Kathy as her agent in an Illinois statutory short form power of attorney for health care.