7.7 Million In Wrongful Death of a Dependant Adult

Written by Adam Peck Category: Wrongful Death April 23rd, 2013 2 min read

7.7 Million In Wrongful Death of a Dependant Adult: A San Luis Obispo County jury has awarded $7.7 million to the parents of a woman diagnosed with schizophrenia who died during a scuffle with her caregivers.

The sum announced Friday after five days of deliberation was significantly larger than the $5 million Lauren Arcady’s parents had sought.

Arcady, 33, died in 2010 during a struggle with her caregivers. Arcady had moved into her own house in Santa Maria after living in a state-run facility for people with developmental disabilities. Two caregivers were hired to stay with her during the day.

Arcady, who was tentatively diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 13, became angry when one of the caretakers took a picture of her. She marched into her room as they followed.

During the trial, plaintiffs’ attorney told jurors that Arcady suffocated because the caregivers improperly restrained her on a bed. Murphy said the caregivers did not have CPR training and did not try to revive Arcady.

But attorneys for the company that hired the caregivers countered that they tried to help Arcady, who had a habit of hurting herself. They contended her death was caused by medications and stress. The coroner’s office could not conclusively determine a cause of death.

The caregivers were not charged. Arcady’s parents, Kathleen Reed and Alexander Arcady, filed a wrongful death complaint against the caretakers’ employer, alleging negligence and abuse of a dependent adult.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.