Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Case Results

DISCLAIMER: Please note that every case is different and these verdicts and settlements, while accurate, do not represent what we may obtain for you in your case.

Resident Dies Due to Lack of Heat

Our client, who was affectionately called by her family Aunt T, moved into a local assisted living facility due to progressive dementia. Unknown to her family, the facility had been cited by the Department of Social Services for failing to provide heat for its residents. On the morning of December 3, 2000, Aunt T was found in bed, unconscious, and suffering from severe hypothermia. Upon arrival at the hospital, her body temperature was only 84 degrees. She tragically died two weeks later from complications of hypothermia. Our investigation revealed the prior citations for lack of heat. We also interviewed a former employee who confirmed that the building was so cold that employees worked in winter coats and long underwear just to stay warm. The owner refused to raise the temperature in the building and actually covered and locked the thermostat. The case settled the night before trial for $345,000

Awarded: $345,000 Wrongful Death Settlement Due to Lack of Heat at an Assisted Living Facility