A New Jersey family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against an assisted living facility in Morris County. The wrongful death lawsuit claims that the woman, 85 years old, was treated negligently, including being choked by a male patient and left on the floor for hours without receiving care. She died five days following the alleged incident from what has been described as “massive brain injuries” which are directly linked to the alleged incident. The facility states that staff members reacted quickly to the incident.
The woman who died reportedly moved into the facility after an onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Her hope was a caring environment for which she could spend the rest of her days safely and securely. Such a promise of safety and security unfortunately was not kept. According to reports, the woman who died had previously reported that she was being harassed by another resident, a man who had reportedly been aggressive toward other patients in the past.
The lawsuit claims that the facility staff was negligent in their protection of the loved one who died. Additionally, the lawsuit claims that the man’s actions toward the woman who died were observed, and that the staff did not immediately provide medical care for her. Reportedly, the woman did not receive medical care until she was found unresponsive in her room hours later.
The family of the woman filed the lawsuit in Camden County Superior Court. They are requesting damages for their loved one’s injuries, mental pain and anguish and humiliation. The lawsuit names not only the facility, but also the parent company located in Ohio, though the man who committed the physical acts toward her was not mentioned. The case is currently being reviewed by the Prosecutor’s office.
This case may be a heart-wrenching example of the effects of negligence on a person’s life. The family of this New Jersey woman who died has taken steps to hold the assisted living facility accountable for their allegedly negligent actions toward their loved one. Though the process can be complex and emotionally charged, when successfully navigated, a wrongful death suit can provide financial relief to the suffering family. In addition, if it is found that the facility was negligent, the actions of this family may help others avoid a similarly traumatic experience.
Source: Tri-Boro Patch, NJ Patch, “Wrongful Death Suit Filed Against Morris County Facility,” Sept. 20, 2012
