A woman suffering from dementia and identified as a “fall risk” was allegedly ignored, disregarded, and permitted to fall to her death at the Barrington Terrace nursing facility in Boynton Beach. The company running the facility is now on the receiving end of a lawsuit filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court. The suit alleges extreme misconduct, poor management, ineffective employee training, and a total disregard for medical orders. Nora Mahns died after falling multiple times in the facility, according to attorneys representing her husband.
We are publishing the complete lawsuit at the end of this report. Here are key elements reviewed by BocaNewsNow.com:
On or about November 27, 2021, NORA MAHNS, who was suffering from dementia and had a history of falls, was admitted to BARRINGTON as a resident. On or about December 7, 2021, NORA MAHNS was transferred to the memory care unit at BARRINGTON and, on or about December 10, 2021, was noted to be a moderate or high fall risk based upon her fall assessment.
While a resident at BARRINGTON, Decedent, NORA MAHHS, was the victim of negligent and substandard care and/or treatment at the Defendants’ facility, causing her to suffer multiple falls that progressively worsened. On or about January 6, 2022, NORA MAHNS suffered her first fall at BARRINGTON, and went on to fall at least eight (8) more times, with her final fall on or about February 5, 2023, resulting in a displace right femur fracture, requiring emergency surgery.
On March 4, 2023, less than one month after her final fall at BARRINGTON, NORA MAHNS died.
The failure to provide a safe and decent living environment to NORA MAHNS, free from abuse and neglect.
The failure to monitor, observe, and properly treat NORA MAHNS, known to be a high risk of falls with dementia. The failure to document and update significant changes in NORA MAHNS’ conditions prior to December 31, 2022, and February 5, 2023, respectively. The failure to reassess NORA MAHNS for continued appropriateness of placement at the facility prior to December 31, 2022, and February 5, 2023, respectively.
The failure to update NORA MAHNS’ plan of care, including interventions for her memory loss and fall risk, prior to December/31, 2022, and February 5, 2023, respectively. The failure of NORA MAHNS’ caretakers to observe and report to the nurse changes in NORA MAHNS cognitive function, specifically changes in NORA MAHNS’ decision-making ability, memory, recall, and general awareness, difficulty expressing herself, difficulty understanding others, level of consciousness, and mental status.
The failure to perform checks at “frequent intervals” in light of care plan and fall risk. The failure to follow the chain of command in terms of alerting, notifying and/or bringing to the attention of the physicians and/or administrator one or more falls or medical issues in question. The failure to provide adequate and appropriate staffing of the facility. The failure to follow established policies and procedures concerning patient care. Negligent retention of employees, agents and/or staff. Negligent hiring and failure to perform appropriate background checks for employees, agents and/or staff.
The victim’s husband is represented by Timothy Kenison of Goldlaw of West Palm Beach. The owners and management company of Barrington does not have counsel listed with the Clerk of Courts, as of 5:30 p.m. Monday.
Medical negligence can lead to serious harm, undermining your trust in healthcare and leaving you with significant physical and financial challenges. At Ovadia Law Group, we are committed to holding healthcare professionals accountable when they fail to meet the standard of care. Our experienced attorneys specialize in medical negligence cases, including misdiagnoses, surgical errors, and improper treatment. We understand the complexities of medical malpractice claims and work closely with medical experts to build a strong case on your behalf. Our goal is to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you’ve been a victim of medical negligence, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation, and let us help you pursue justice and recover your well-being.
Source: bocanewsnow
