Content Reviewed by:
Steven M Levin
Content Reviewed by: Steven M Levin
Since 1976, Steve Levin has been dedicated to helping people injured by others’ negligence. He is one of the first attorneys in the U.S. to prosecute nursing homes for abuse and negligence. He’s also helped write new legislation that governs the operation of nursing homes, including the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act. Moreover, Levin & Perconti has obtained the top three jury verdicts in nursing home negligence cases in Illinois.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – MAY 23, 2024 – In a recent incident that shocked the Arlington Heights community, a school nurse at Westgate Elementary School was terminated after allegedly administering the wrong medication to a student. This event highlights the crucial need for strict adherence to medication protocols in schools to protect children’s health and safety.
The Incident
The situation at Westgate Elementary came to light when a family claimed their child was given a non-prescription drug containing the opioid fentanyl instead of the prescribed medication. The District 25 board president described the nurse’s actions as “egregious conduct” and a violation of school policies. The board’s decision to terminate the nurse was made during a special meeting, with many expressing their distress and concern over the breach of trust.
Legal and Community Reactions
As personal injury attorneys dedicated to advocating for victims’ rights, we at Levin & Perconti recognize the profound impact such incidents can have on the families and communities of Arlington Heights.
“As a mother with school-age children and as a lawyer, I find these actions deeply disturbing. As a resident of Arlington Heights, I am committed to seeking justice for the families affected and ensuring such a reprehensible breach of trust is never repeated in our community.” – Jaime Koziol Delaney
The Importance of Proper Medical Protocols in Schools
The role of school nurses is essential to ensuring the well-being of students, particularly those who require medication during school hours. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper training, vigilance, and adherence to protocols when administering medications. Any deviation from these standards can result in severe consequences, including physical harm to students and loss of trust within the community.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Measures
Arlington Heights police are investigating the incident, though no criminal charges have been announced. In response to the event, District 25 has committed to having two new nurses on staff at Westgate Elementary for the remainder of the school year, aiming to restore confidence and ensure the safety of its students.
Advocating for Accountability and Safety
At Levin & Perconti, we are committed to holding institutions accountable for their actions, particularly when they put children’s safety at risk. This case underscores the importance of strict oversight and the implementation of comprehensive safety measures in schools. We urge all educational institutions to review their protocols and ensure their staff is adequately trained to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The disturbing incident at Westgate Elementary School brings attention to a crucial issue that must be addressed to safeguard our children’s health and well-being. As personal injury attorneys, we stand ready to support affected families and advocate for stronger protections and accountability measures in schools.
For more information on how Levin & Perconti can help with cases involving school negligence or other personal injury matters, please contact us today.
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