On July 19, 2023, the lifeless body of Istvan Nagy, 69, was found in a residential care center in Maasmechelen. He was discovered sitting on the toilet in his room while still suspended in a lift, forgotten by the staff.
Court Proceedings
Following the incident, the care worker and a job student who helped Istvan were summoned to appear before the Tongerse criminal court for inadvertently causing his death. Two nurses, responsible for evening and night shifts, also faced the same charge for not verifying if Istvan was in bed. Additionally, the head nurse and acting director were also called to account for ensuring the proper operation of the facility.
According to the prosecutor, there was no alarm button present in the bathroom, raising significant concerns about the facility’s safety measures. The accused staff members risk up to six months in prison, suspended.
Health Concerns and Family Impact
Martha Houben, 73, Istvan’s widow, along with her family, filed a civil suit claiming amounts between 15,000 and 30,000 euros. She shared, “I was with him on that Monday. We heard our wedding song in the cafeteria. He was very happy.” She described how her husband’s dementia began at age 48, and while she cared for him daily, he sometimes exhibited aggressive behavior due to his condition.
An autopsy indicated that Istvan died from a ruptured aorta, likely caused by stress related to his precarious condition. Hans Janssen, the attorney for the family, expressed certainty that Istvan would have lived longer had the staff not made errors concerning his care.
Defense Arguments and Staff Shortages
The defense firmly rejected claims of a causal connection between the staff’s negligence and Istvan’s death. Lawyer Luk Delbrouck argued that Istvan’s pre-existing heart issues might have led to his death regardless of staff actions. The defense also highlighted the staffing shortages at the facility, which led to care workers being replaced by students when necessary.
Legal Conclusion
The Tongerse prosecutor believes the carelessness of the six defendants contributed to Istvan’s passing. The prosecutor suggested calling the forensic doctor as a witness to present evidence regarding the likelihood of heart failure. A ruling in the case is expected on October 30, 2025.
