Romanucci & Blandin investigates how children were harmed by medicine swap at Westgate Elementary School in Arlington Heights, Illinois

Attorneys urge medical examinations for any child who received medication at the school

CHICAGO (April 25, 2024) – The protection of children is a parent’s highest priority. A parent entrusts their children’s school and that school’s medical providers to care for and safeguard their precious little ones. This trust was broken by Westgate Elementary School in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where we have evidence that the school did not properly dispense children’s prescription medication, and, in fact, children were given substitute medications. Family Doe 1, has retained Romanucci & Blandin, because the parents believe their child was not given the proper medication and has suffered health problems because of it. The child’s medical team has confirmed that the child’s blood work shows suggestive signs of excessive aspirin intake and also shows positive for fentanyl. 

Romanucci & Blandin is conducting a civil investigation into the matter.  

This family’s name and their child’s identity, health history and exact medications are being withheld to protect the child’s privacy. We believe there are other families whose children also did not receive their proper medication.

This is a developing story. The allegations came to light the week of April 22, 2024, when parents say the school informed them their children may not have received the proper medication at school.  Romanucci & Blandin attorneys urge any parents with a child who was administered medication at Westgate Elementary to see a physician immediately and discuss if an examination is appropriate including a urinalysis testing for exposure to fentanyl and other drugs, a full blood panel, and EKG to test for heart function and any other specialty tests based on the child’s medical needs. Medical experts say fentanyl is evident in a person’s system for only a limited time after exposure, so immediate medical attention is important.

The legal team in this matter includes Managing Partner Gina A. DeBoni, Senior Attorney Daisy Ayllón and Senior Attorney Jason J. Friedl. 

“This situation is abhorrent, and we feel thoroughly betrayed by the violation of trust we placed in Westgate Elementary School, its staff, who were given the privilege of caring for our child.  We are highly concerned for the health of our child and will not rest until we understand exactly what happened and see that the appropriate people are held accountable,” said Doe Family 1 parents, whose child’s blood work suggested signs of excessive aspirin intake as well as fentanyl after being informed the child was not given the proper medication at school.

“This situation is a parent’s nightmare and a complete violation of the trust they place in a school and medical providers to keep their children safe. We are talking about innocent elementary school children who have medical needs that their physicians and parents are managing with prescription medication. For those children not to receive the exact medication or dosage they need can have tragic health consequences. We are in communication with the Arlington Heights Police Department and will do everything we can to support their criminal investigation,” said Managing Partner Gina A. DeBoni, Romanucci & Blandin.

“Our clients are devastated by this new information and deeply concerned about the health of their child. That is by far their highest priority, but they are also fiercely committed to understanding exactly what went wrong at the school, who knew what and when, and knowing precisely what substitute substances their child had been given and for how long,” said Senior Attorney Daisy Ayllon, Romanucci &Blandin.

“As our investigation peels back the layers to learn what happened at Westgate Elementary there are indications school officials had received prior concerns that some children’s medications may not have been properly administered. Further, a child with fentanyl in their bloodstream is completely unconscionable. We will look closely at the school’s chain of possession of the medications, the process for keeping the medication secure, and their systems of oversight for anyone with access to children’s medications,” said Senior Attorney Jason J. Friedl, Romanucci & Blandin.

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About Romanucci & Blandin, LLC

Romanucci & Blandin is a Chicago-based national trial practice committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse and wrongful death through impact litigation. For more than 25 years, we have secured more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients - many for millions of dollars or record-setting awards. Our experience ranges from mass shootings, civil rights and police misconduct to medical malpractice, sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents or workplace injury cases involving individual or institutional negligence. Romanucci & Blandin is a valuable legal resource to individuals and groups of people who have been injured by others’ wrongdoing. Referring attorneys and clients say several factors distinguish our firm: Our record of success, depth of experience, talented and dedicated legal team, tireless preparation, and strategic use of communications to fight for the rights of those whose lives have been changed forever. We differ from other personal injury firms in that our work does not stop when a verdict or settlement is secured. Our clients’ experiences often inspire us to commit resources to transforming lives and communities. For more information about Romanucci & Blandin, please visit: www.rblaw.net.