In a compelling legal battle that highlights the vulnerabilities in patient care, a couple has filed a lawsuit against a prominent medical institution for alleged negligence. On April 1, 2025, Deoquisto Dennis and Laseay Dennis filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, accusing Advocate Health and Hospitals Corporation, doing business as Advocate Christ Medical Center, of medical negligence following an incident that left Deoquisto Dennis injured.
The case stems from an incident on January 20, 2020, when Deoquisto Dennis was admitted to Advocate Christ Medical Center with severe symptoms. The plaintiffs allege that despite being at risk for falls due to his condition and requiring assistance to urinate, the hospital staff failed to provide necessary support such as bedpans or other non-ambulatory aids. According to the complaint, nursing staff instructed Dennis to walk to the restroom unaided, during which he suffered a seizure and fell. This fall resulted in significant personal injuries and pecuniary losses for Dennis.
The plaintiffs argue that the hospital had a duty to exercise reasonable care in providing healthcare services but failed in multiple aspects. The complaint lists several negligent acts including inadequate monitoring of Dennis’s condition, improper instruction for him to ambulate independently despite his fall risk, and failure to provide or locate essential equipment like bedpans. These failures are claimed to have directly led to Dennis’s fall and subsequent injuries.
In addition to seeking compensation for personal injuries sustained by Deoquisto Dennis, the lawsuit also includes a claim for loss of consortium by Laseay Dennis. The complaint details how Laseay has been deprived of her husband’s companionship and support due to his injuries. The plaintiffs are seeking damages exceeding $100,000 from Advocate Health and Hospitals Corporation.
The case is further complicated by its procedural history; it was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice on April 30, 2024. Despite this dismissal, the plaintiffs have reasserted their claims against the defendant hospital corporation. They continue to seek judgment in their favor along with financial compensation for both direct injuries and loss of marital benefits.
This article was first published in Cook County Record.
