We contacted law firms, such as William G. Pintas & Associates, Lowenthal & Abrams and Esther M. Gallagher of Lowenthal & Abrams, Joseph M. Dooley III, and Robert Kriesman. All of them suggested we should continue trying to get legal assistance immediately. None of them offered referrals.
William G. Pintas & Associates sent their response by certified mail, along with a letter by regular mail. What was that all about?
October 3, 2007
Advocate Hospice
Ms. Dawn Doe, Director
1441 Branding, Suite 200
Downers Grove, Illinois 60515
Re: The Death of Frederick H. Bouyer
Ms. Doe:
Mr. Frederick H. Bouyer (Freddy) was never pronounced dead by any Advocate Hospice official on October 3, 2007. Karen Bouyer, the wife of the deceased, called Advocate Hospice at approximately 5:00 am informing them her husband had died. Karen reports the Chaplin from Advocate Hospice arrived at approximately 8:15 am. The only person to respond to the call was the Chaplin of Advocate Hospice. Karen has been caring for Freddy since his hospice care started at his apartment. Karen was separated from her husband, but moved back in with him in his apartment, caring for him while he was under hospice care with Advocate Hospice. This is an account of the events of October 3, 2007:
I, Fred L Nance Jr., am the brother-in-law of Mr. Frederick H. Bouyer (Freddy).
My wife, Darlene Bouyer-Nance who is Freddy’s sister, reports Karen Bouyer, Freddy’s wife, called her about 9:00 am on October 3, 2007 reporting Freddy had died. Darlene told Karen she would call Taylor Funeral Home. Darlene reports she told Karen she should call Taylor Funeral Home also.
Darlene reports Karen informed her that the Chaplin from Advocate Hospice was there, at Freddy’s house. Karen informed Darlene the Chaplin arrived at Freddy’s house at approximately 8:15 am. Darlene reports Karen told her later that the Chaplin called Taylor Funeral Home also since Darlene said they would call that Funeral Home.
On October 3, 2007 Darlene called me at approximately 9:18 am from her job informing me Freddy had died. Darlene told me Karen told her Freddy died around 5:00 am. Darlene asked me to meet her at her brother’s house. I had never visited my brother-in-law’s house.
Darlene gave me an address of 8708 W. 86th place, apartment 106, Justice, Illinos 60458. This apartment complex has a security service attached to it. I arrived at the address at approximately 10:30 am, and entered through the back entrance of Freddy’s house. I found Freddy lying in his bed. I asked Karen and Darlene why was Freddy’s body still in the house if he died at 5:00 am.
Karen told me she called the Advocate Hospice phone number and told them Freddy had died at approximately 5:00 am. I called Advocate Hospice at approximately 10:30 am at telephone number 603.963.6800. I was connected to Ms. Pato, a manager, who acknowledged receipt of the phone call from Karen at approximately 5:00 am. Ms. Pato informed me 2 nurses came out to the house and reported to Advocate Hospice that they could not gain entrance into the apartment. Ms. Pato informed me the nurses told her they went to the front of the apartment and to the back of the apartment and could not gain entrance. I informed Ms. Pato that when I came to the back of Freddy’s apartment, I was able to gain entrance without any problems.
I asked Ms. Pato for her manager’s address and phone number. I informed Ms. Pato I would write this letter and post this letter on my website. Ms. Pato was hesitant in giving me the address. After listening to Ms. Pato attempt to protect the nurse’s negligent behavior and my continuous prompting to give me the address and phone number, she finally provided the information.
At approximately 11:05 am Taylor Funeral Home arrived at the address. Mr. David Simmons of the funeral home spoke to Advocate Hospice to get permission to move Freddy’s body. Mr. Simmons received permission from Ms. Pato to remove the body. Mr. Simmons passed his cell phone to me and I talked to Ms. Pato again about her nurses’ negligence. Ms. Pato stated to me that the Chaplin’s arrival was sufficient.
While driving to the funeral home with the family to make arrangements for burial, I called Advocate Hospice again requesting to speak to Ms. Dawn Doe. I talked to another female individual, whose name escapes me now, with whom I shared this story. She informed me that she works closely with Ms. Doe and that she was a manager also.
I informed this person that her nurses’ should have called 911, paramedics or contacted the security team of the complex where Freddy lived to gain entrance to his house since it had reported he was dead. I asked this person why a hospice nurse would arrive at a residence without speaking to someone about receiving a call about their hospice patient being dead. I informed this person their hospice nurses had been in and out of Freddy’s house many times. I informed this person I would write this formal letter to Ms. Doe.
After talking with my wife about the negligence of today’s events, I thought I should seek legal counsel about this issue also.
I am requesting an investigation into the events described above by Advocate Hospice and the law firm of William G. Pintas & Associates.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS
Social Policy Analyst
cc: William G. Pintas & Associates
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/