Blog Archives

Background

In December 2023, a 27-year-old man with a history of seizures and several brain surgeries entered a Los Angeles skilled nursing facility after discharge from UCLA. He was stable and able to communicate with his family, who visited every day.

Within days, staff notes showed clear warning signs: unusual sleepiness, low blood pressure, and a fast heart rate. No one promptly notified a doctor. Sixteen days after admission, he was sent to the hospital in critical condition and died the next evening from septic shock caused by pneumonia and a urinary tract infection.

Allegations and Negligence

The family’s claim focused on preventable failures at the facility:

• Missed monitoring and escalation: Abnormal vital signs were not reported to a physician in a timely way.
• Medication and IV errors: Two ordered doses of IV Meropenem were never given, and the same IV site was left in place too long, raising infection risk.
• Poor care planning: Despite known aspiration risks, the facility did not implement a soft, thickened-liquid diet or complete speech, physical, and occupational therapy evaluations.
• Ignored family concerns: Repeated reports from his mother about excessive sleepiness were not escalated to appropriate providers.
• New injuries under care: He developed contractures in all four limbs and a sacral pressure injury—conditions not present at hospital discharge.

These lapses allowed infections to progress and led to a preventable death.

Settlement and Impact

Peck Law Group moved quickly to protect evidence, obtain complete records, and consult with medical and nursing experts.

We built a clear timeline, showed where care broke down, and connected those failures to the final outcome. The matter resolved for a seven-figure settlement, reflecting the seriousness of the facility’s conduct and providing support for the family’s losses.

The case also reinforced the need for strict monitoring, timely physician notification, accurate medication administration, proper IV care, and prompt therapy assessments when a resident’s condition changes.

Conclusion

This case shows how missed warning signs and basic protocol failures in a long-term care setting can lead to tragedy—and how focused advocacy can bring accountability.

If your family has faced similar issues, you’re not alone. Contact Peck Law Group for a free case evaluation to understand your rights and the next steps toward justice.

Background

Marie Singleton, a resident at Integrated Care Communities (ICC), entered the assisted living facility in June 2018 with pre-existing conditions such as dementia, hypertension, and acid reflux. Despite her ability to care for herself initially, serious health concerns emerged over time.

In September 2019, ICC staff discovered a deep, open wound on Ms. Singleton’s tailbone. Subsequent medical evaluation revealed a severe pressure injury, urinary tract and blood infections, leading to two surgical procedures and extensive medication.

Plaintiff’s Allegations

The crux of the case revolved around ICC’s alleged failure to adhere to California state regulations, requiring reassessment of residents with dementia every 12 months or upon significant changes in their condition. Ms. Singleton’s health declined drastically, with no reassessment by ICC staff. Critical changes, including mobility issues and declining appetite, were reportedly overlooked, and medical professionals were not promptly informed.

The plaintiff argued that timely reporting could have altered Ms. Singleton’s treatment plan, potentially preventing the severe pressure injury and associated complications.

Defendant’s Defense

ICC countered, asserting that their care staff promptly addressed Ms. Singleton’s health concerns. They argued that certain changes, such as decreased mobility and appetite, were typical for dementia patients and did not warrant immediate reporting.

The defense maintained that the pressure injury on Ms. Singleton’s tailbone was not a result of negligence but rather an abscess caused by scratching.

Verdict and Impact

Following a 14-day trial, the jury delivered a landmark verdict of $2.5 million, surpassing the plaintiff’s pre-trial demand and the defendant’s final offer. This case underscores the importance of proper assessment and reporting in assisted living facilities, setting a precedent for elder abuse cases and emphasizing the responsibility of care providers in ensuring the well-being of residents.

For more details on this significant elder abuse verdict and related legal insights, please contact Peck Law Group.

Background

In November 2022, our client—a resident of an assisted living facility in Long Beach, California—suddenly went missing. Staff suspected that he left the facility on November 23, 2022, but his location remained unknown. Tragically, his body was later found on an embankment near an AM/PM, just under half a mile from the facility. This heartbreaking situation prompted urgent legal action and a search for accountability.

Legal Settlement

The case resulted in a seven-figure settlement, reflecting the gravity of the neglect exhibited by the facility. The settlement addresses several critical failures:

Failure to Ensure Resident Safety

The facility and its administration did not provide adequate training or supervision. Their oversight allowed residents to wander off, ultimately putting our client at risk.

Neglect in Medication Management

Staff failed to ensure that our client received his necessary medications. This lapse seriously compromised his health, especially given his ongoing medical conditions.

Lack of Required Documentation and Care Planning

The facility did not complete essential care plans or documentation that could have highlighted our client’s specific needs. Proper documentation might have flagged his risks and prompted timely intervention.

Disregard for Absentee Notification Protocols

Although the facility had protocols to handle missing residents, staff did not act promptly when our client went missing. This delay reduced the chance of a safe recovery.

Inadequate Emergency Information Collection

The facility overlooked collecting and maintaining updated emergency contact information, which could have facilitated a quicker response in this crisis.

Conclusion

This case highlights the devastating impact of inadequate care in assisted living facilities. The clear failures in supervision, medication management, documentation, and emergency response led to a tragic outcome for our client.

The seven-figure settlement not only provides a measure of justice but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of adhering to strict care protocols. By addressing these shortcomings, we hope to protect vulnerable residents and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

For more information or legal assistance regarding elder care and resident safety, please contact Peck Law Group.