Man files lawsuit against Walnut Grove

A man, filing on behalf of his late mother, leveled a lawsuit Tuesday against Walnut Grove Village, LLC, accusing the long-term care facility of abuse and neglect.

Dwayne Mickelson, the executor and son of Ethel Mickelson, filed the two-count lawsuit against Walnut Grove Village, seeking damages in excess of $50,000. The lawsuit alleges the care provided by Walnut Grove, or lack thereof, caused physical, emotional and psychological distress to Ethel Mickelson, and ultimately led to her death.

The first count alleges Walnut Grove’s staff failed to properly supervise and monitor Mickelson’s condition Jan. 27, 2010, when she fell and broke her hip.

According to court documents, Mickelson was unsupervised at the time of the fall. She was then taken to Morris Hospital, where she was forced to undergo surgery for the left hip fracture. The lawsuit alleges the injury caused her further medical problems, additional medical and hospital costs and eventually led to her death.

The second count alleges Walnut Grove’s staff failed to properly care for Mickelson, which was a direct cause in her developing a decubitus ulcer, or bed sore, on her left heel. The injury became infected, required hospitalization and eventually surgery on March 18, 2010.

Ethel Mickelson died April 17, 2010.