A nursing home chain is filing for bankruptcy claiming that numerous lawsuits against its facilities have left it lacking funds to provide adequate healthcare. However, public records show the amount money that went into the properties of the owner of the chain and the many deficiencies cited by the state health department. State surveys many incidents warranting hefty fines.
One of the incidents involved a patient known for violence and instability who beat his two roommates to death. Another incident involved a patient who assaulted two other patients. This patient was also known to have patterns and potential for assault. The states fines were upwards of $240,000, while lawsuits settled for undisclosed amounts in each case. The court also ruled for a $28.5 million award.
Nursing home attorneys are fighting for the ability to reduce fines to increase care. However, advocates for higher quality care say the fines help keep facilities in line by providing accountability and recourse for incidents that should not recur. For more, read the story.
