Did Post-Op Pressure Ulcers Kill Patient?

Everett Johnson went to Peoria, Ill.-based OSF Healthcare System for treatment of bilateral fractures in April 2003. A little more than a year later he was dead, the apparent result of infections caused by pressure ulcers that formed following the procedure.

His family recently settled with the healthcare system for $120,000.

Mr. Johnson's surgery was performed at St. Anthony's Medical Center in Rockford, Ill. During his post-op stay, he developed pressure ulcers and was given narcotics to help control the pain. About 10 days after surgery, Mr. Johnson was transferred to neighboring Rosewood Care Center, where he continued to be treated for pressure sores and reportedly developed gangrene on his left foot, court records show.

In March 2004, the lower half of his left leg was amputated and pressure ulcers on his right foot had to be debrided. Mr. Johnson also allegedly required skin grafts and developed sepsis, according to court documents.

Mr. Johnson's wife sued OSF Healthcare following his death, accusing the system's caregivers of failing to properly assess her husband for skin breakdown, not having a plan in place to prevent pressure ulcers from forming, failing to document the size of her husband's ulcers and perform timely consults and follow-ups, and improperly treating her husband's pressure ulcers and resulting pain.

An Illinois circuit judge approved the settlement last February. The Johnson family attorney declined to comment on the case. The health system's attorney did not respond to a request seeking comment.

Click here for helpful tips on preventing pressure ulcers.

Dan Cook