Case Profile: Berniece

Background:
Berniece was 86 years old when she entered Hillview Nursing Center. She needed twenty-four hour care and monitoring due to her deteriorating health. Her doctor ordered the nursing home to provide a lap cushion to help prevent Berniece from falling out of her wheelchair. Despite its effectiveness, the nursing home decided to remove the cushion. Berniece was allowed to suffer three falls within a twenty day time period. She died as a result of her injuries five days after her last fall.

Action:
Berniece’s ninety-one year old husband, Jim and daughter Sue enlisted the firm to pursue a claim on their behalf and Berniece’s estate. A lawsuit was filed against the nursing home operator and Health Systems Inc., a company that manages over 50 nursing homes in the area.

Result:
The firm tried the case and obtained a judgment on behalf of Berniece’s husband, Jim and daughter Sue for the wrongful death of their wife and mother. The management company insisted it did not have the assets to pay the sizeable judgment. The firm continued their fight for justice and the judgment was paid. As a result of the judgment proceeds, Jim should never need to place his welfare in the hands of a nursing home.

What Sue has to Say about the Firm:
“It was clear from the onset of our case this firm had the necessary experience in handling cases against nursing homes. I witnessed their superior background work and trial skills during the presentation of our case. The nursing home could not match their knowledge, hard work and ability as trial lawyers. Our attorneys were several steps ahead of the defense during the entire process. I know I could not have selected a better firm to represent our family.”