Last month a New Jersey jury slammed Harbor View Healthcare Center with a $13.2 million verdict after it determined that the facility was at fault for the death of a resident who developed massive bed sores.
According to published reports about the case, Mary Dwyer of Jersey City, New Jersey entered Harbor View Healthcare Center for short term rehabilitation. During three months at the facility, she developed stage IV pressure sores, experienced severe weight loss, underwent nine debridements and two bone shavings. She died on February 27, 2010. The defendants have indicated that they will appeal the verdict.
What lesson can Maryland familes learn from this verdict?
According to Nursing Home Compare, Harbor View Healthcare Center (now known as Alaris Health at Harbor View ) is a 4 star facility, which is indicative of an above average facility. The lesson we can learn is that bad things can still happen at facilities that are deemed to be better than others. Just because Nursing Home Compare has ranked a facility as a 4 star or 5 star facility, don’t let that lull you into thinking that your loved one will be fine. You still need to be actively involved in the care your family member receives and visit often to make sure that the staff is providing the care they are supposed to.
Has your loved one suffered pressure sores at a Maryland nursing home? Is your loved one at a 4 star or 5 star facility and not getting the care you believe they should? Call Nursing Home Justice Associates at 410-825-ABUSE(2287) or visit our website a NursingHomeJustice.com for a free consultation.
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