Daughter Files Wrongful Death Suit Alleging that State Improperly Belted Her Wheelchair-Bound Mother Which Resulted in Mother's Death

Amy Rothschild

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Sharon Miller, the speicial administrator of the estate of her mother, Elizabeth Massears, filed a wrongful death suit on October 2, 2007, against Central Illinois Taxi in Madison County Circuit for the death of her mother. The lawsuit alleges that on October 4, 2005, her mother was being transported by a taxi company from her residence at the Blue Fountain Nursing Home to a doctor's appointment. According to the lawsuit, Ms. Massears' wheelchair was placed on a lift and because the wheelchair was not properly buckled to the lift, the wheelchair slipped causing Ms. Massears' death. The complaint alleges that Central Illinois breached its duty to exercise the highest degree of care by placing her mother in a wheelchair in an unsafe manner, failing to place a safety buckle before transporting her and allowed the wheelchair to slip causing her mother to fall.

Damages in excess of $100,000 are being sought due to Ms. Massear's suffering prior to her death as a result of a fractured hip, and pain of body and mind. Reimbursement of medical expenses are also being sought. Ms. Massears' daughter is also seeking damages on her behalf due to the death of her mother including those damages to which she would be entitled under Illinois' Wrongful Death Act.