The nursing home abuse attorneys at Maples Law Firm recently won a three million dollar verdict for the wrongful death of a patient who was taken to a nursing home facility for physical therapy following a successful colostomy procedure at a local hospital.
According to the plaintiffs, the patient underwent a colostomy and was hospitalized at the Chicksaw Nation Medical Center (CNMC) from July 10, 2010 to August 16, 2010. During her treatment at CNMC, the patient was in good physical health with functional independence. She was then transferred to Ballard Nursing Center (BNC) for continued care and physical therapy.
However, once at BNC, the patient’s condition worsened as she suffered from neglect and mistreatment. Her clavicle was broken when an aide attempted to move her in a manner that was in violation of the standards of care, followed by the development of the classic signs of neglectful care, including dehydration, malnutrition, infection, and sepsis.
The nursing home staff failed to recognize and treat the patient’s ailing condition and urinary tract infection, which resulted in her death.
The plaintiffs contend that the nursing home was in violation of state and federal staffing laws by employing under-qualified staff members to care for seriously ill patients in need of intensive, specialized treatment. The facility also routinely engaged in the dangerous practice of aggressively increasing its occupancy rates beyond its staff’s capabilities.
If not for the negligent care of the nursing home staff, our law firm contended, the patient would not have died tragically and in such poor conditions.
The final verdict included punitive damages against the owner of BNC, as well as the owner’s management company, holding company, and the nursing home facility.
Whether due to understaffing, poor training, or willful wrongdoing, neglect can and does have fatal consequences. If you believe that your loved one is the victim of nursing home neglect, act immediately. The wrongful death attorneys at Maples Law Firm in Oklahoma will fight to ensure that you and your loved one’s rights are protected and that the responsible party is held accountable. Call us at (405) 705-5050 to set up a free and comprehensive consultation.
