A Florida man has been awarded $200 million in a nursing home abuse lawsuit that accused the home’s owners of negligence, which resulted in the death of his 92-year-old mother.
In October 2004, Elvira Nunziata wandered off from a group at the Pinellas Park Care and Rehabilitation Center and was found over one hour later at the bottom of 10 stairs where she had fallen while still strapped into her wheelchair. She passed away soon after paramedics arrived, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Her son, Richard Nunziata, filed a nursing home abuse lawsuit against Trans Health Management, who ran the home, claiming negligence. The complaint claimed that the staff knew Elvira had an onset of dementia and was prone to wandering off.
After a less than an hour of deliberation, the jury decided the nursing home should pay $60 million in compensatory damages, as well as $140 million in punitive damages.
Nursing home abuse can take many forms such as financial abuse, physical assault, neglect and emotional abuse. Those who are most susceptible include those with disabilities and dementia.
If you or a loved one has experienced nursing home abuse, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to learn about your options.