WIFR investigates abuse and neglect claims in Illinois group homes
Back in 2016, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. won a record-$1.6 million wrongful death verdict in Stephenson County for the family of Ivette Ruiz, a 40-year-old mentally disabled resident of a Freeport facility that provides services and lodging to those with developmental disabilities.
On December 2, 2010, despite a history of prior falls and medical issues including sprains and a fracture in her foot and ankle, Willowglen’s staff left Ivette alone, without supervision and assistance, which resulted in her having two serious falls on that day. After the second fall, Ivette was transported from Willowglen (now in operation under the name Broadstep) to the emergency room at FHN Memorial Hospital, but due to her severe injury had to be transferred to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, where she underwent emergency surgery to treat her massive subdural hemorrhage. Sadly, Ivette died 12 days later on December 14, 2010 from a severe brain bleed. The death certificate lists blunt trauma to the head as the only cause of death.
Rockford news station WIFR recently aired an investigative piece that took a look at the numerous abuse and neglect claims in Illinois CILA homes. Ivette Ruiz’s sister, Rebecca, and their attorney, Tara R. Devine were interviewed about the case as part of the investigation.
